On Sunday 4th August 2024 several CMHASD members went on a trip the South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre. Below is an account of the day kindly written by member Gary Hunt with photos taken by members.
''With the decision by the membership to arrange an away-trip, long-term CMHASD friend and lecturer, Dr John Mason MBE, made a gracious offer host our visit to the recently renovated South Downs Planetarium.
Little did we know that CMHASD would be the FIRST to see the fully renovated centre and planetarium… I think it demonstrates, just how respected CMHASD is by the community. We are all very grateful to John, who was the consummate host and expert lecturer, and made ALL feel valued and welcome!
The membership, began the day by meeting for a wonderful lunch at the Cricketers at Duncton near Chichester. The pub has a stunning garden, and we had drinks there until we were called to our exclusive dining room. We were all delighted, to greet Dr. John Mason and his lovely wife Jane, at the pub and share lunch with them.
During a delicious repast, some of us sampled some good ales, we made our way to the Sir Patrick Moore Building, based in the grounds of Kingsham Farm, High School, where we were all greeted once again by by John.
After a brief introduction to the brand-new entrance and foyer, replenished with a souvenir shop, and display area. This was overseen by a life-size and frighteningly accurate wax-work of Sir Patrick Moore, supplied by Madame Tussauds, his personal desk, chair, brass telescope (his first brought by his mother when a child), typewriter and desk objet d'art… This was supplemented by numerous astronomical telescopes and instruments, and the beginnings or a multimedia projection system in the high-vaulted hall leading to the planetarium. This area was crowned with a three-metre diameter Moon… spectacular, indeed!
We were then all ushered into a lecture area and told more about the Centre, by the delightful and very hardworking, Meryl Goulbourne, what a credit she is to the Centre. The news included a recent award gifted by King Charles III. Following this we were escorted to the Planetarium itself for an hour long, tour de force presentation on the mysteries of Dark Matter by John himself.
John certainly knew his stuff… But before we got to the main subject, John took us through the amazing simulation of the night sky as it would be later that night in Chichester, then Selsey (Sir Patrick’s home town), and the dark skies park of the South Downs. This was followed by looking at constellations as we headed via the equator until we were observing the Southern Hemisphere (e.g. New Zealand)
As we then moved onto the mind-boggling issue of Dark Matter, and it’s effect on deep space objects, we were regaled with the latest technical news of how astronomers are trying to prove that Dark Matter exists? I was amazed at just how knowledgeable John is, particularly as he was presenting from memory, and proven by just how dark it was in the planetarium!
As the presentation ended, it then came to a Q&A session, needless to say that John had made his presentation so complete, that there wasn’t much CMHASD members could ‘try to catch him out on’ 😆! A superb lecture, that the membership was privileged to witness. But that wasn’t all… John then proceeded to answer technical questions about the Planetarium dome, its structure and construction… followed by an high-end engineering standard of knowledge regarding the Viewlex-Minolta S-IIb star projector and its other video adaptions… Even a mention about the (far to comfortable!) club class airliner seating (still with ashtrays in situ)!
All CMHASD members were very grateful for such an outstanding presentation, and warm hosting by John, Meryl and the staff.
There followed refreshments and discussion, for an hour or so thereafter… wonderful company, and a wonderful experience.
I have no hesitation in recommending a visit, for newbies or experienced astronomers, alike, or indeed, a revisit to the South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre…. Not only well worth supporting to keep it going, but to highlight a very bright star in heart of Sussex!
and finally, I would like to say a very big Thank you to Rita Whiting for organising such a wonderful trip. It was superb!''
