A new permanent interactive exhibit at the Adler Planetarium called "The Universe: A Walk through Space and Time," opened Tuesday, July 10, 2012. | Al Podgorski~Sun-Times Media

The 3,000-square-feet "The Universe: A Walk through Space and Time" exhibit at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago features seven interactive stations. | Al Podgorski~Sun-Times Media

"The Universe: A Walk through Space and Time" exhibit explores age-old questions such as how the universe began, where it came from and whether there's life beyond Earth. | Al Podgorski~Sun-Times Media

This image of the Crab Nebula taken by the Hubble Telescope is one of many breathtaking scenes visitors can discover through the multimedia interactive displays in "The Universe: A Walk Through Space and Time." | Sun-Times Media

"The Universe: A Walk through Space and Time" permits museum-goers to simulate functions of outer space. | Al Podgorski~Sun-Times Media

Using current satellite data at the Adler Planetarium, space travelers will encounter places on Earth that are experiencing dramatic environmental activity such as a forest fire, an active volcano or unique cloud formations. | Sun-Times Media

"The Universe: A Walk through Space and Time" permits museum-goers to simulate functions of outer space. | Al Podgorski~Sun-Times Media