Get immersed in the ancient stars of the south downs!
Single ticket £22.50
Join us after dark for an immersive evening of stargazing and archaeoastronomy. Step into our Great Roundhouse, transformed into an incredible pop-up inflatable planetarium, to witness the skies of prehistory and discover the significance the sun, moon and stars had in the beliefs and practices of ancient societies. Through immersive projections Dr Fabio Silva, from the University of Bournemouth, will guide us as we visualise the cyclical patterns of the celestial objects and how these were encoded in the architecture of prehistoric sites such as Stonehenge.
Then step outside, amongst the thatched roofs of our Iron Age Roundhouses - all part of the South Downs National Park Dark Skies Reserve - and gaze into space with members of Astronomy group HantsAstro. View stars and planets millions of years old through state-of-the-art telescopes, all while surrounded by the ancient buildings of the past, and discover how our ancestors connected with the night sky.
Join us at one of the highest points in an International Dark Skies Reserve to learn about the skies of the past and experience the South Downs National Park’s gloriously dark skies with their fabulous star-filled canopies.
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Immerse yourself in the night sky, learn about archaeoastronomy and explore what the night sky meant to our ancestors
View the stars in an International Dark Skies Reserve through state-of-the-art telescopes
Includes ‘The Skies of Prehistory’ - a 45-minute pop-up planetarium experience in Butser’s Great roundhouse
Suitable for adults and children
Please note that stargazing is weather-dependent.
All proceeds of this event go towards supporting the ongoing research and educational work of Butser Ancient Farm.
INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET
Two hours of engaging astronomy delivered by passionate experts. Whatever the weather, a 45-minute ‘The Skies of Prehistory’ experience of the night sky in our planetarium, brought to life by a leading archaeoastronomy expert. Get lost in the stars and learn about how ancient people connected with them, while visiting a truly unique setting after dark.
USEFUL INFORMATION: Please wrap up warm with sensible footwear as it can be chilly at the farm in Winter. Some of the event will be held outside. Please bring a torch as it may be dark returning to your car to the end of the event.
SEATING: The seating for our events is rustic and includes benches and hay bales. You may wish to bring a blanket or cushion to make your seat more comfortable. We can also add plastic high-backed chairs if required. The pop-up planetarium experience will involve being seated on the floor. If you have any specific requests please email administrator@butserancientfarm.co.uk.
TIMINGS: This special event starts at 7pm, so please arrive at 6.45pm. The event will finish at 9pm. The first pop-up planetarium experience will be at 7.15pm, the second will be at 8.15pm.
FIRES: Please note there will be an open fire in the house during this event.
CASH: There will be a cash bar at this event and the opportunity to buy hot drinks, snacks, and gifts in our shop.
ALCOHOL: No alcohol to be brought into the event.
ANIMALS: We are sorry but dogs (apart from assistance dogs) are not invited to this special event.
REFUNDS: We cannot offer any refunds on tickets unless Butser Ancient Farm needs to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances.
WEATHER: The event will happen whatever the weather, which may limit the amount of sky observation possible.
SPECIAL EVENT: This event is not included as general admission for our annual pass holders. This ticket is for access to the timed event only and does not include full admission to the Farm.
COVID-19: We will be complying with any relevant Covid-19 government guidance in place at the time of the event including the latest guidance on mask wearing. If you have any Covid-19 symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate, please do not attend.
Header image by Greenglow Photography.