About This Show
Sunday, 17th March, 3:30pm
Journey north to the frozen wastes of the Arctic Circle and watch electrified particles from the Sun spiralling down into the upper atmosphere, where they generate the wonderful colours of the Aurora Borealis or 'Northern Lights'
Come to the Planetarium to understand how eruptions on the Sun cause displays of the Northern Lights, and how these are visible from the ground as faint glows, coloured arcs or, at their most spectacular, coloured rays and bands of auroral light dancing back and forth across the night sky.
Find out when are the best times to see the Northern Lights, where the best places are to see them, and when they might once again be visible from Southern England.
Directions & Map
Please Note
The only entrance for walkers, cars buses, lorries, coaches, PoGo sticks or Space Hoppers, is by the High School entrance in Kingsham Road, then follow the signs to "The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre" It is located at the southern end of the Chichester High Schools campus.
There is no direct access off the Chichester Bypass. All access via Kingsham Road only.
Click here to download a printable copy.
Car Parking
Please note there are two free car parks available.
Note for Satnav users.
Satnav postcode use PO19 8EB
In what3words uk use
Prices and Admission
- Admission: Adults £8:00. Children 6 to 16 years £5:00.
- Not Suitable for children under 6 years of age.
- Duration 70 min Approx
Opening Times
Only open 45 minutes before advertised show times.
The reason for this is that the Planetarium is run by volunteers as an edcational charity on a not-for-profit basis.
We operate throughout the year but are not open every day.
Group visits by schools, colleges, adult and youth groups may be pre-booked at any time. Just call us on 01243 774400 or email us at sdownsplanet@proton.me
We also run shows for the general public at specific times, which are advertised on this website.
We regret that we are unable to accommodate casual visitors outside of the advertised public show times.
Seating
The seats in the main auditorium are ex-aircraft seats. Those in the first two rows are set at a slightly reclined angle to provide the best possible view. They can, however, be tipped forwards to enable easier access to the rows behind when entering and leaving. The seats in the back row do not recline. They provide a wide view of the entire dome area, which some of our visitors prefer.
Gift Aid
Please also consider making a donation under the Gift Aid scheme. It costs you nothing and gives us more. Download the Gift Aid form here