Build a Scale Model

of the Solar System

Ok, let's do this. Let's play god.

No matter how many books you read or how you try and think about the distances involved, you can never quite picture the scale of our solar system until.....you go outside and build your own one.

If any school teacher or summer camp director is looking for a fun way of teaching a bit of astronomy then look no further. No matter how old you are this experiment will leave a lasting impression and you will never think of space in the same way again.

The distances involved in even our own local backyard, the solar system, are mind melting. By using a calculator to create a scale model of the solar system, you can get a starting point on the brain boggling size of the neighbourhood we live in.

I would recommend two different resources that will help you build a scale model solar system to the size you desire (I told you, you could play god!).

Exploratorium - This wonderful website will allow you to calculate all the measurements you need.

NASA - You've just got to love NASA. This page contains lots of ideas about how to express the size of the solar system and also contains a great video about it.

Combining the information and calculators on these sites gives you everything you need to create your own solar system. Go on, spoil yourself. Build some planets!