Adler Planetarium’s Valentine's event to star Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel

Chicago's Adler Planetarium teams up with Ballantine Books for a special night. The Valentine’s-themed event, called “Love is in the Atmosphere,” celebrates love and science. According to a press release by the planetarium, the event draws from #1 New York Times bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid's hit novel Atmosphere.

This one-night affair happens Saturday, Feb. 7, with doors open from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets cost $50 each.

Cosmic romance takes flight

The book Atmosphere is a top seller, hitting #1 on the New York Times list, the press release states. A GMA Book Club pick, the book also earned spots as a best book of 2025 from TIME, NPR, PEOPLE, and others.

Set in NASA's 1980s space shuttle program, the story follows women astronauts in a sweeping sapphic romance. “Thrilling . . . heartbreaking . . . uplifting . . . the fast-paced, emotionally charged story of one ambitious young woman, finding both her voice and her passion,” said Kristin Hannah, author of The Women, according to the press release.

Read more on Chicago Star

• Dive into wonder at Hologram Zoo Illinois, the Midwest’s first immersive holographic zoo

• Popular East Coast fried chicken chain Zaxby’s opens first location in Illinois

• Rediscover your sense of wonder at one of these great magic shows across Chicago

• BEDS Plus fights homelessness with 14th annual Soup & Bread Fundraiser

Tickets unlock stellar perks

Each ticket will include a hardcover copy of Atmosphere, via Chicago’s Women & Children First bookstore. Guests get two drink tickets, snacks, and a cash bar. After-hours access will feature all exhibits. Additionally, a custom dome sky show features celestial projections, pairing with quotes from the novel, love notes from attendees, and audio from the audiobook, according to the planetarium. Julia Whelan, an Audie Award-winning audiobook narrator, will narrate the audiobook for the dome sky show. 

The event will also include astrology readings from Jake Mayfield and Annie Hex, and Adler experts will lead guided tours. Bring blankets for indoor stargazing.

According to the press release, Taylor Jenkins Reid has authored nine books, including Carrie Soto Is Back and Daisy Jones & The Six. She currently resides in Los Angeles.

Planetarium fans and book lovers can buy tickets on Eventbrite. This Valentine's event in Chicago promises stars, stories, and sparks.