Future Possibilities
CRSolSys.org proposes a permanent outdoor scale-model
of the Solar System located along the banks of the Charles River. Key features of the proposal
include:
- The sun model is an 11 1/2 foot sphere located atop the Museum of Science. It is visible
from the Longfellow Bridge, the Harvard Bridge, the Esplanade, the Liberty Hotel, the Sonesta Hotel,
the Duck Boats, etc. The hope
is that the sun model becomes a point of interest that draws people to
visit the planet models,
the bike path, the MOS, etc.
- The planet models are small spheres placed on stands along the Charles River heading
west. The sun model is visible from all the planets models up to, and including, Jupiter.
- The inner planet models (up to Mars) are visible from one another. This allows visitors to directly
experience the scale relationships among these planets.
- Most of the planet locations are on a bicycle path, and they can be safely
and comfortably reached by families with children on bikes or with strollers. Visitors can travel
among most of the planets without crossing streets or driving a car.
- The moon is included in the model, so visitors can see how a solar eclipse works.
Also, visitors can see the moon's relationship to the rest of the solar system.
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