Sunday, 28th June, 3:30pm
Duration 70 min Approx
As Summer approaches, we become more aware of our nearest star – the Sun. We feel its heat on a sunny day, and its light is all around us.
Come to the Planetarium as we probe the mysteries of this local star of ours, the only star we can study at close range. Journey from the unimaginable heat of the Sun's core to its turbulent surface and onward to its outer atmosphere - the pearly corona.
Witness at first hand the dark sunspots which pockmark its visible surface, the arching prominences above, and the even greater eruptions which surge from this blazing colossus at the heart of the Solar System.
The greatest solar eruptions, known as coronal mass ejections (or CMEs) interfere with satellites in Earth orbit, disrupt radio communications, knock out electrical power systems, and produce wonderful displays of the Northern and Southern Lights, such as the one on May 10-11, 2024 which was well seen from the South Coast, the greatest auroral display from these parts for 35 years.
The Northern Lights are caused when electrically-charged particles in the solar wind – originating from the Sun’s outer atmosphere – are funnelled down into Earth’s atmosphere around the north and south geomagnetic poles forming a glowing rings known as the auroral ovals. The intensity of the solar wind varies with the activity of the Sun. This follows a roughly 11-year cycle.
Please book as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment.
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Duration 70 min Approx
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
All public areas of the Planetarium are accessible to wheelchairs. Disabled parking bays are available
The Planetarium has two easy access, gender neutral toilets, one of which is slightly larger so as to accommodate carers if this is necessary.
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. The auditorium is fully accessible to wheelchairs.
There is no direct access off the Chichester Bypass. All access via
Kingsham Road only.
SEE MAP BELOW.
Satnav postcode use PO19 8EB
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 center" It is located at the southern end of the Chichester High Schools campus.
Click here to download a printable copy.
Please note there are two free car parks available.
Satnav postcode use PO19 8EB
The South Downs Planetarium one of two car parks.
