John has spent an illustrious career as a ‘public astronomer’ appearing on TV programmes including Blue Peter and Tomorrow’s World, leading international eclipse-chasing expeditions and authoring/ editing dozens of books.  As a schoolboy he had been inspired by Sir Patrick Moore who he first met having penned a letter as a 12-year-old asking to look through Moore’s telescope. Years later the two astronomers joined forces to create the Chichester Planetarium where John remains a lynchpin to this day.

The UK currently has only 16 permanent planetariums that provide public astronomy and space viewing programs. Chichester is very lucky to have one of these, thanks entirely to a committed group of volunteers. Its upkeep and fabulous range of educational activities are funded by charitable contributions and legacies. There are public shows most Sundays at 3.30pm. Find out more.