In new exhibit, Adler Planetarium charts the history of star-gazing tools

vintage picture of nurses looking through giant telescope
Nurses from the Albany Deptford Babies' Hospital looking through the huge 28' telescope, the largest in Britain, at the Greenwich Observatory in London, during a garden party in aid of the hospital, June 12th 1937. The whole of the observatory was thrown open to visitors.

Photo credit (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Ever wonder how we can see what's in the sky?

Stargazers have made and used devices for centuries to view the cosmos. Now, you can learn about the evolution of them by touring the Adler Planetarium’s new exhibit, “Stargazers Hub.”

“People have always looked to the skies, and to help their views, people have always made tools,” says Andrew Johnston, the Adler’s vice president of astronomy and collections.

The exhibit includes many rare astronomical objects that have never been on public display, including one of the oldest known telescopes in existence.

Visitors can also see the original compass rose on the Adler’s terrazzo floors. It is the first time in decades that anyone has seen the design, which was installed when the planetarium was opened back in 1930.

“Stargazers Hub” opens this weekend.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)