The Big Sky Experience
Whatever the weather come and enjoy the stunning beauty and thrill of the night sky. Experience the awesome Cosmos in comfort, together with live expert commentary by a professional astronomer.
Our full dome shows feature stunning immersive video and breathtaking images.
Questions are welcome after the show.
What is the Planetarium?
The South Downs Planetarium is a place where you can see what the night sky looks like . The Planetarium is a large room with a domed ceiling that accommodates 96 people at a time. A special star projector projects images on the dome and show the stars and other objects in the night sky. Our full dome shows feature stunning immersive video and breathtaking images. We can display the night sky at any time both forward and backwards in time.
Suitable for all, from 6 years of age.
Book online or call 01243 774400
How to Choose and Use Your New
Telescope Course
Saturday 16th
March
Looking to purchase a telescope but not sure where to begin?
Already own a telescope but not sure how to use it?
Image: Courtesy of Clive Hand
Dr John Mason MBE demontrating the use of a telescope.
Image: Courtesy of Clive Hand
Dr John Mason MBE.
Our Presenters.
Dr
John Mason MBE
An Applied Physicist by profession, Dr John Mason has been actively involved in astronomy and space science for almost 50 years. He is a past President of the British Astronomical Association, a full member of the International Astronomical Union and is currently Education Officer and Principal Lecturer at the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester. He lectures extensively in the UK and overseas on a wide range of scientific topics with a reputation as a passionate communicator of science. He has led many expeditions overseas to observe the Northern Lights, total solar eclipses and meteor showers. He is a frequent broadcaster on radio and television.
Graham
Bryant FRAS
Graham has been involved in astronomy for the past 50 years and is currently a Trustee of the South Downs Planetarium and also President of the Hampshire Astronomical Group.
Graham has been a supporter of the Planetarium for many years and has become more deeply involved since retiring from the Health Service in 2012.
He teaches the Astronomy for Beginner’s course at a nearby observatory of which he is also the Chairman.
Graham has for many years given talks to numerous outside organisations on astronomy and space flight. More recently, Graham has been an Aurora/Astronomy tour guide, leading a number of trips to Iceland and Norway.
Andrew
Copping
Andrew has been interested in astronomy since his school days when he was an active member of the South Downs Astronomical Society, based in Chichester. For the past six years he has been the General Manager at the South Downs Planetarium carrying out the day-to-day running and administration of the facility. He recently completed a GCSE in Astronomy and has been heavily involved in the commissioning and operation of the Planetarium’s new full dome projection system. He regularly gives presentations for schools and youth groups and is a keen advocate of teaching science through the awe and wonder of astronomy and space exploration.
Testimonials on Tripadvisor.
Absolutely fantastic.
Everyone here works really hard, it’s was such an interesting show, the dome is magnificent lit up and you really feel you have been transported into space! Comfy seats and we will def be returning with all the family, young and old.
Absolutely something for everyone. Nice to do something different
Advance booking is recommended as shows do sell-out.
Zigzag233
Well worth a visit.
Very interesting afternoon. Wasn’t what I initially expected but thoroughly enjoyed it, even learned a bit too. Very friendly and helpful staff. Even more satisfying, my 10 year old son and 7 year old daughter were gripped. I’ve never seen them so quiet for such a long time
kfamilyof6
I have been here several times now for various shows over the years and I never stop telling my friends about it and how they must go even offering to book tickets for them to go and reminding them when their show date is due so they don't miss it.
It's an excellent venue, the building is great, loads of artefacts and masses to look at, the main Lecturer Dr John Mason is just amazing, so full of energy and life and passion.
I cannot say enough what a wonderful place this is to visit and I shall continue to spread the word
Melanie T
Testimonials on Facebook.
We are so lucky to have this marvellous facility. There is always a warm welcome and the presentations are jaw-droppingly good; interesting, informative and delivered in an easy to understand, fun way by Dr John Mason and all the supporting team. All ages and all levels of experience will get something from it. Very highly recommended.
Sir Patrick Moore will be smiling down proudly.Wendy Adams Evans
49 of us from the W.I. enjoyed a very interesting and informative morning here. It is run by volunteers as a charity and they cater for Junior school groups, around 1100 children visit every year.
The speaker was enthusiastic and his passion for all things space was clear as he took us through the planets and the more visible stars and how to identify some constellations in a northern Hemisphere.
You don’t have to go in a group but you do need to check up when it is open and what ‘talk’ is on. Well worth a visit.
Yvonne Donin
