The John Deere Planetarium and Carl Gamble Observatory have been visited by thousands of students, children and their parents.
Augustana students use the observatory for telescope viewing sessions in astronomy classes and taking data in classes for physics majors. The planetarium is used for both astronomy students and community outreach programs, such as the annual Seasons of Light show and the occasional lunar eclipse.
The John Deere Planetarium began renovations and completed them in September 2018. The planetarium seats more than 60 guests and is equipped with a brand-new Digitarium Lambda projector that displays a digital image over the entire 30-foot dome. This allows for projections of the night sky, current and past, as well as cinematic viewings of educational videos.
The Carl Gamble Observatory has a computer-driven 14-inch Celestron reflector telescope for direct viewing of celestial objects. Its dome and elliptical deck accommodate up to 40 persons.
The building was named for Carl Gamble, the man who dedicated a telescope to the college in 1958.
Adjacent to the planetarium is a large auditorium for lectures and meetings. Programs are planned for the public, elementary and secondary students, college students and other interested groups.