Chicago Science Field Trips

***** NOTE: THIS IS AN IN PERSON EVENT *****

Heavenly Spheres: How Ancient Greece and Rome Mapped the Cosmos

Registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ciera-astronomy-night-out-tickets-1984500666916

https://planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/639897

NOTE: Please RSVP so we know how many to expect, but proof of ticket purchase is not required and does not guarantee a seat. Seats are first come, first served. [Their rules, not mine!]

Can't make it in person? WATCH THE LIVESTREAM: https://ciera.northwestern.edu/ciera-livestream/

Learn to look at the sky like the Ancient Greeks and Romans did! From early poetry, philosophy, and myth to the brilliant achievements of ancient mathematics, astronomy was where the Greco-Roman world made its most lasting contributions to modern science. In this lecture, we will see what ancient people saw in the heavens, learn how they measured and mapped the movements of planets and stars, and think about what it all meant to them. After the talk, come get a closer look at replicas of ancient astronomical instruments, and discover how these tools were used.

Nick Winters is an Assistant Professor of Classics at Northwestern University. His research focuses on ancient mathematics and science, and his work on ancient astronomy ranges from practical topics like the geometry of celestial models and the manufacture of sundials to more imaginative areas like astrology and Pythagorean mysticism. At Northwestern, he teaches courses on Ancient Astronomy and Ancient Medicine.

### Event Details

The Webb Space Telescope has begun to fundamentally alter our understanding of black holes, the early
Universe, stars, planets, and more. Learn more about this groundbreaking mission as we explore the
latest stunning images from the telescope.
Michelle Nichols is Director of Public Observing at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, and has worked at the Adler for over 30 years.

***** NOTE: THIS IS A THIRD PARTY EVENT! YOU MUST REGISTER WITH ARGONNE TO ATTEND IN PERSON OR ONLINE. NOTE THE VISITOR SECURITY REQUIREMENTS TO ATTEND, AND THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THOSE THAT ARE NOT US CITIZENS.
All can attend the online presentation. *****

Hybrid event — attend in person or online

Information & registration:
https://anl.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4GzIY60GhbFSKh0

Thursday, June 18, 2026
6:00–7:15 p.m. CT

Argonne National Laboratory
TCS Conference Center (Building 240)
9700 S. Cass Ave.
Lemont, IL 60439

This is a hybrid event. Attend in person or online.
Nuclear energy has been central to Argonne National Laboratory’s identity since the beginning — but the lab’s contributions in this area extend far beyond the nuclear reactor.

Nuclear energy helps power our lives, supplying electricity to 1 in 5 homes in the U.S. Nuclear science and technology has even made its way into hospitals, enabling medical scans and cancer detection, while also playing a major role in national security by supporting the screening of dangerous materials at our borders and beyond—and these are just a few examples.

As a multidisciplinary laboratory, Argonne offers an array of cutting-edge tools and resources available to our scientists to drive innovation across a wide range of research areas, including nuclear energy.

During our next OutLoud Public Lecture, we will explore the science shaping advancements in modern nuclear energy. Discover how nuclear fuel recycling is unlocking the potential to extract reusable materials from used reactor fuel and how advanced sensor technologies being developed at Argonne will play a critical role in safeguarding nuclear materials.

We will also introduce you to new technologies being used at Argonne that will pave the way for the next generation of more advanced reactors.

This is a conversation you don’t want to miss, especially as Argonne continues to commemorate its 80th anniversary. The celebration will continue at this very special OutLoud. Join us as we reflect on our historic roots and look ahead to the future while mixing in a few surprises.

Featured speakers:

• Paul Kearns (Moderator)

Laboratory Director, Argonne National Laboratory

• Steven DelaCruz

Chemical Engineer, Argonne National Laboratory
Nuclear Technologies and National Security

• Nora Shaheen

Chemical Engineer, Argonne National Laboratory
Nuclear Technologies and National Security

• Xuan Zhang

Principal Material Scientist, Argonne National Laboratory
Nuclear Technologies and National Security

The OutLoud Public Lecture Series is dedicating 2026 to celebrating 80 Years of Impact, as Argonne marks its 80th anniversary. Join us throughout the year as we commemorate this milestone with engaging special segments, exciting giveaways and a few surprises.

This is a hybrid event. You can attend either in person or virtually. Once the limit for in-person attendees is reached, you are still welcome to attend the event virtually.