Journey north to the lands within the Arctic Circle and see the amazing forms and colours of Nature’s great light show - the aurora borealis or 'Northern Lights'
The Northern (and Southern) 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. From the ground these auroral displays are visible 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.
The intensity of the solar wind varies with the activity of the Sun. This follows a roughly 11-year cycle and solar activity is currently very high and rising towards the peak of the latest 11-year cycle, which is expected either late in 2024 or early 2025.
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.
Come to the Planetarium to understand how these eruptions on the Sun cause displays of the Northern Lights, find out the best times and the best places from which to see them – and when they might once again be visible from Southern England.
Only open 45 minutes before advertised show times.
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.
Please note there are two free car parks available.
Satnav postcode use PO19 8EB
The South Downs Planetarium one of two car parks.
