Two top astronomers will be watching the stars when a Sussex planetarium officially opens in April.
The dome-shaped centre at Chichester has been built by members of the South Downs Astronomical Society and named after veteran TV stargazer Sir Patrick Moore, who was patron of the fund-raising appeal.
The planetarium, which also has a science centre, opened its doors just before Christmas.
But the official opening ceremony, by astronomer Professor Sir Martin Rees, will take place on April 5.
The planetarium, in the grounds of Chichester High School for Boys, has cost £480,000.
Sir Patrick, who lives at Selsey, gave lectures to help boost the appeal.
The society says the planetarium will become a major educational asset for West Sussex.
Society member John Green said: "The scheme has taken us more than six years to get off the ground and we did it without any National Lottery money because there is no lottery fund for science."
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