South Downs Planetarium

The South Downs Planetarium is a volunteer run educational charity located in Chichester, West Sussex, (Registered Educational Charity No. 1096869). Our main goal is to provide an environment where visitors of all ages can learn about science in a very visual and exciting way.

The Planetarium project was started in 1992 by members of the South Downs Astronomical Society who wanted to establish an educational center to promote astronomy, space and Earth sciences on the south coast of England.

We opened to the public on 30th July 2001 and are one of the largest Planetarium in the British Isles

Our primary focus is school visits and we provide a wide range of activities which supplement national curriculum work and meets the educational needs for children of all ages and abilities. When a school visit arrives at the planetarium we are able to offer them an experience of awe and wonder to learn about the night sky the planets and space exploration as they enter the planetarium dome.