Entry No. 90 — the Chicago file — filed under: observatory

Doane Observatory (Adler Planetarium)

A 24-inch PlaneWave CDK24 reflector — the largest telescope open to the public in Chicago — gathers over 7,000 times more light than the naked eye, punching a hole through the city's light pollution from a dome that's operated since 1977.

The move: Show up Wednesday night, get in the free observing line by 8:45pm, and take turns at the eyepiece with strangers while a volunteer astronomer narrates whatever's overhead — Saturn's rings if you're lucky, the line closes early if it's crowded or clouded over.

• 📍 Museum Campus / Near South Side
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605

Hours: Added 2026-07-19 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Official site

last checked: 2026-07-19