In September, from dark locations and when there is no bright Moon in the sky, the faintly glowing band of the Milky Way will be seen arching right across the sky, with the stars of the Summer Triangle well placed. The familiar W-shaped pattern of Cassiopeia, the Queen, is now distinctive in the eastern sky.
The Harvest Moon will be bright for a day or two before and after 18th September, rising a little after 8 pm for several days after Full Moon.
There is also a fine display of planets. The ringed planet Saturn is seen to the south-east as soon as darkness falls, although the rings are now closing and are not as well displayed as they were just a few years ago. The brilliant Jupiter rises in the late evening followed closely by the lovely Red Planet, Mars.
Come to the Planetarium for all the very latest space news and for a breathtaking tour of the night sky and to find out more about what there is to be seen on clear evenings in the late summer.
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.
