Chichester Planetarium

The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre, widely known as Chichester Planetarium, stands on the Kingsham Farm site just south of Chichester city centre, a short walk from the railway station. Run by the registered charity the South Downs Astronomical Society, it opened in 2002 inside a converted former school building and is one of the largest planetariums in southern England.

At its heart is a 100-seat star theatre with a large hemispherical dome, where an opto-mechanical Goto Chronos projector recreates the night sky in remarkable detail. Live presenter-led shows guide audiences through the constellations, the planets of the solar system, eclipses and deep-sky objects, with programmes pitched at families, schools and dedicated astronomy enthusiasts.

Around the dome a small science centre displays meteorites, telescopes, historic instruments and exhibits on space exploration and the work of Sussex astronomers. Sitting at the foot of the South Downs National Park, an area known for its dark skies, the planetarium is a useful introduction before heading out to stargaze on the surrounding hills.