This year's open house will feature views of the planets Saturn and Jupiter. These are the two largest planets in the solar system and look spectacular when viewed through the telescope. The rings of Saturn, the cloud bands of Jupiter and the moons of each planet are all clearly visible. The two planets are ideally situated for viewing right now with Jupiter close to opposition, the time when it appears largest and brightest in the sky.

The John Deere Planetarium has a variety of other activities planned for the open house. The telescopes of the Carl Gamble Observatory will offer views of other astronomical objects such as double stars and star clusters. The Getz-Rogers Gallery will be displaying images of celestial objects and a quarter-ton piece of the Canyon Diablo meteor. In addition, visitors will be able to attend a planetarium show with images and information on the wonders of the night sky.