South Downs Planetarium

Autumn Stars Moon and Planets

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About This Show

Friday, 22nd November, 7:30pm

Duration 70 min Approx

During the autumn months it is getting darker much earlier in the evening. From a clear, dark site the autumn stars are nicely on view. The familiar pattern of the Plough or Big Dipper is getting rather low in the North, but the easy to identify W-shaped pattern of Cassiopeia, the Queen, is almost overhead during autumn evenings. The faint smudge of the Andromeda Galaxy may also be glimpsed from very dark sites, just below Cassiopeia.

The two largest planets, Jupiter and Saturn, are visible as soon as darkness falls. The distinctive Red Planet Mars is also visible later on, rising in the eastern sky.. The planet brightens throughout November and is closest to Earth on 1st December, when it will be just over 48 million miles away from Earth.

Of the two giant planets, Jupiter is much the brighter of the two and slightly further east than Saturn. Jupiter makes spectacular viewing. Its four largest moons and its stripy cloud belts are visible even with a small telescope. Saturn’s rings are almost wide open and beautifully displayed.

The Moon’s ever changing phases are displayed as the Moon waxes and wanes from month to month. There will be a total eclipse of the Full Moon (also known as the Beaver Moon) on Tuesday, 8th November, but it will not be visible at all from the British Isles. At least some parts of the eclipse will be visible from Northern/Eastern Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, much of South America, the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Arctic and Antarctica.

When the Moon is new in late November, the absence of moonlight will enable you to have a clear view of the fainter stars and constellation patterns.

Come to the Planetarium for a fascinating whistlestop tour of the autumn night sky.

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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.

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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

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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

Booking Form

Please book as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment.