Astronomy Conversations

The Astronomy Conversations program is a unique collaboration with the Adler Planetarium that integrates current science (and scientists) into museum programming. It involves KICP researchers directly engaging museum visitors in dialogues through the use of visualizations that make cosmology research and associated instrumentation accessible. Because these are very interactive presentations a valuable part of the experience is that it demystfies scientists and provides positive role models. These conversations take place in the Space Visualization Laboratory (SVL), a dedicated space that is both a working laboratory with state-of-the-art hardware and software, and a public gallery. KICP researchers are regular participants in the Astronomy Conversations program, which takes place daily and KICP has taken ownership of the Saturday sessions. Twice a year training sessions are held for new presenters which in addition to introducing them to the SVL and Adler provide core communications training.