Experience the magic of the night sky
Experience the magic of the night sky in comfort together with expert live commentary by a professional astronomer. Our full dome shows feature stunning immersive video and breathtaking images.
Face masks must be worn at all times, unless exempt. Under new
Government guidelines, family groups attending shows must be six
persons or fewer, including children.
Watch our 'Covid Security Video' to see all the measures we have taken to make the Planetarium ‘COVID-Secure’.
What do we do? You'll be surprised!
Watch the video below to find out all the surprising activities that take place at the South Downs Planetarium
Experience the magic of the night sky
With our 96-seater auditorium (restricted to 40 seats during 'Covid Compliance'), colourful displays the Planetarium has something for all the family (aged 6 upwards).
Our magnificent star projector projects nearly 4,500 stars and other celestial objects onto the dome above your head. There is free car parking, easy disabled access and is just a short walk from rail and bus stations.
Pre-booked visits by schools, clubs and youth groups welcome. Open all year. For opening times, public shows and prices see website.
National Astronomy Week 2020
Mars Encounter 14th - 22nd November
Get ready for a Mars Encounter of a virtual kind
We're excited to announce that National Astronomy Week is going ahead in a way we've never gone before, bringing live events and planetary viewing direct to your home.
We're good to go'
"We’re Good To Go” is the official UK mark to signal that a tourism business has worked hard to follow the respective Government and public health guidance and industry COVID-19 guidelines, has carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and checked that they have the required processes in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.
Tripadvisor Feedback on Covid-19
Our YouTube channel
Free to view at any time
Subscribe our YouTube channel to find out what’s happening in the night sky’...
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To get access to Special Online Presentations and regular newsletters...
South Downs Planetarium welcomes UK Government announcement that audiences can return to Theatres from 1st August
The UK Government announced that from 1st August Theatres can reopen their doors once again, albeit with some restrictions. The Planetarium welcomes this move and has been preparing the building for this moment for some time.
The Government guidance requires the following six conditions are in place in theatres to protect patrons.
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Shows for Schools
We offer the excitement and wonder of a 'Big Sky Dome' not just a wide screen display, or temporary structure.
Sitting inside our 11 metre dome you fully experience the dynamics of the heavens making comprehension and learning easy.
The effective teaching of astronomy involves viewing the night sky, but to take students "star-gazing" is often impractical for many reasons. A Planetarium brings the night sky to the students. It makes clear many of the basic aspects of astronomy and space science in an exciting and effective way.
Contact & map
Car Parking
Please note there are two free car parks available.
A note for Satnav users.
Please use PO19 8AE which is the postcode of the Chichester High Schools and this will bring you in to the campus via the correct Kingsham Road entrance.
Disclaimer:
Although care has been taken in preparing the information contained in this document, the South Downs Planetarium and its Trustees do not and cannot guarantee the accuracy thereof.
Anyone using the information does so at their own risk and shall be deemed to indemnify South Downs Planetarium and its Trustees from any and all injury or damage arising from such use.
All pages are either copyrighted by South Downs Planetarium, or by their respective authors - whether a copyright line appears at the bottom or not.