Calculate manually:
- Download the distance calculation chart ( DOCX ).
- Multiply the scale factor on the chart by the distance to each planet in astronomical units (AU). Note: When using the suggested 10 centimeters per 1 AU, you’ll need about 10 feet between the Sun and Neptune. If you want your model to span a longer or shorter distance, you can change the scale value accordingly.
How to make a scale model of the Solar System?
Make a scale model of the Solar System and learn the REAL definition of "space." 1 Fill in the diameter of the Sun you want your model to be scaled by. ... 2 Click on the "Calculate" button. 3 Notice that the distances and sizes of the planets will automatically fill in. ... 4 You can now build your scale model. ... More items...
How do I use the Solar System model input?
Solar System Model Inputs. Calculate the scaled planet diameters and planet-sun distances for a solar system model. Enter scale or diameter or distance, select to show table and/or map below, select options, then press Calculate. Examples: Scale 1 : 100000000 or Sun Diameter...
How to make a scale model of the distance between planets?
Tie colored beads onto a string to make a scale model of the distances between planets in the solar system. You can wear your model or even display it on a wall. String (enough to span the distance to Neptune, plus an extra 30 cm) Beads, washers, or some other object to mark the distance to each planet on the string
How do you draw the Solar System?
You can draw your planets all along a single straight line from the Sun, but if you have enough space, consider drawing them at their correct distance in different spots in orbit around the Sun. 10. Solar System in the Yard (scale distance model)
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Can you make a scale model of the solar system?
As the distances between the Solar System planets are so big, it's almost impossible to have both accurate planet sizes and distances in one scale model.
Why are models of the solar system not to scale?
Distance and sizes in the solar system are difficult to visualize because the numbers are so large. In making a scale model, you need to divide the actual figure by any standard number to make a scaling factor.
What is the point of making the scale model of our solar system?
A scale model of the solar system then is a model that shows the relative sizes and distances between the planets accurately. Most solar systems that show the planets spinning around are not to scale as the planets are shown one right next to the other.
How big would a scale model of the solar system be?
for short. The Earth is one astronomical unit from the Sun. Planets that are closer to the Sun than the Earth have a measured distance of less than one A.U....Procedure: Scale Model of Distances from Sun.PlanetDistance AUModel Distance from “Sun”Mars1.51.5 metersJupiter5.25.2 metersSaturn9.59.5 meters5 more rows
How do you make a scale model?
Measure the dimensions of each aspect of the object you are modeling. ... Scale the dimensions down to model size. ... Draw a plan for your model. ... Use your knife to carve out each piece from your building material. ... Paint each piece the correct color or colors. ... Glue all your pieces together according to your paper drawing.
Where is the solar system scale?
On a dry lakebed in Nevada, a group of friends build the first scale model of the solar system with complete planetary orbits: a true illustration of our place in the universe.
How do you make a solar system model for a school project?
Solar System ModelPaint the display. Lay a cardboard box in a way that the opening top side faces you. ... Sort the foam balls. Sort the foam balls in four different sizes. ... Paint the planets. ... Cut the Asteroid belt and planetary rings. ... Glue up everything. ... Cut strong thread and set it. ... Put it all together.
What is a scaled model?
A scale model is a representation or copy of an object that is larger or smaller than the actual size of the object being represented.
What are the three models of the solar system?
In class, we discussed three main models of the solar system that were used to calculate the positions of the planets and stars: the ancient Greek geocentric model as proposed by Ptolemy, the full heliocentric model by Copernicus, and the hybrid of these proposed by Brahe.
How do you find the scaled diameter?
3:366:58Calculating Diameter in a Scaled Model of the Solar System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat is equal to Earth's scaled diameter right here which is two divided by actual diameter twelveMoreThat is equal to Earth's scaled diameter right here which is two divided by actual diameter twelve thousand seven hundred and forty two kilometers.
How far is the Sun from Earth in scale model?
approximately 93 million milesCut out the images of the Sun and the Earth. 2. To demonstrate the distance between Sun and Earth at this scale, separate the images 65 feet (about 20 meters) apart. This distance represents approximately 93 million miles (150 million kilometers).
How far away is the Sun scale?
One AU, about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers), represents the average distance from the Sun to the Earth. It would take an airliner more than 20 years to fly that distance — and that's just a one-way ticket.
Why do most models of the solar system not accurately show the correct planetary distances?
Because of the great distances between planets, and the planets relatively small sizes compared to those distances, it's practically impossible to create a visual representation on a screen or the page of a book that realistically represents the sizes of the planets and the distance between them.
How much space is needed to make a scale model of the solar system where the Earth is the size of a marble?
seven milesTo make a model using an Earth the size of a small marble, they needed over seven miles of empty space.
How has technology changed the amount and type of information we have about the solar system?
Technology has helped us to understand the appearance, climate, temperature and a lot more things about the solar system. Telescopes are a huge advancement capturing many images and being able to see where most of us cannot see. These telescopes teach us what the solar system is and what it looks like.
Do astronomical units help make the size of the solar system more understandable for you?
When measured in astronomical units, the 886,000,000-mile (1,400,000,000-kilometer) distance from the Sun to Saturn's orbit, is a much more manageable 9.5 AU. So astronomical units are a great way to compress truly astronomical numbers to a more manageable size.
What is the scale model of the solar system?
Scale Model of the Solar System. A solar system is a group of planets and other space material orbiting (going around) a star. In our solar system, that star is better known as the Sun and the planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. The solar system models you’ve seen before probably don’t show how much bigger ...
What is scale model?
A scale model uses the same measurement ratios as the real object does. The first model will compare the distance the planets are from the sun in astronomical units, the other model will compare the size of the planets using diameters in kilometers. You probably won’t be able to display either of these models, but you will learn a lot about ...
How to find the diameter of the Earth?
Remember that diameter is the length of a straight line going through the middle of a circle. The Earth’s diameter is 12,760 km. We can divide the diameter of the Earth into the diameters of all the planets, to get a relative comparison.
How to label the Sun?
Label the circles Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Cut the circles out. Position yourself as the Sun. Give each of your friends a cut-out planet to hold. Have your friends position themselves the following distances from you.
How to determine the size of a planet?
The size of a planet can be determined from its diameter. Diameter, you might remember from math class, is the distance from one end of circle or sphere to another side, going through the middle. In this activity, you will make two scale models of the solar system. A scale model uses the same measurement ratios as the real object does.
How far is the Earth from the Sun?
The Earth is about 150 million kilometers (93 million miles) from the Sun. Because this distance is so important to us Earthlings, it has been given a special name, called the Astronomical Unit (A.U.) for short. The Earth is one astronomical unit from the sun.
How to calculate scale planet size?
To calculate the scale planet sizes, discuss proportions and ratios with students. The ratio of the scale diameter of a planet to the scale diameter of Earth is equal to the ratio of the actual diameter of the planet to the actual diameter of Earth.
What is scale model?
A scale model – a model with sizes and distances proportionally reduced or enlarged – is a great way to correctly display the size of and distance between planets, giving students a better visual representation of the solar system than they could otherwise get from an image in a book or on a computer.
What happens if you change the scale diameter of Earth in a spreadsheet?
If students change the scale diameter of Earth in the spreadsheet, it will cause the functions to recalculate the scale values for the other planets. By rearranging the equation below, students can create a formula in the spreadsheet to calculate both scale diameter and distance for the remaining planets.
How to find the scale diameter of Mars?
In the example below, the product of the scale diameter of Earth (B5) and the actual diameter of Mars (D6) is divided by the actual diameter of Earth (D5) using = (B5*D6)/D5 to find the scale diameter of Mars.
How do students learn about scale models and distance?
Students learn about scale models and distance by creating a classroom-size Earth-Moon system.
What is the correct formula for Mercury scale distance?
If students are getting the same result in every cell, they may be repeating the formula without the changing the reference cell. For example, =B3*10 is the correct formula for Mercury’s scale distance, while =B4*10 is the correct formula for the distance to Venus, and so on.
What units are used for distances?
Depending on student abilities, consider using astronomical units (au) for distances instead of kilometers or miles. More information about astronomical units can be found in the Background section below.
How to mark a planet's place?
To mark a planet's place you can use a piece of paper on a post that you stick into the ground, or you can use a flag, or even a person. Be prepared for a long walk!
How long is a toilet paper solar system?
A standard roll of toilet paper has about 450 sheets that are about 4.375 inches long, hence the roll is about 164 feet long. You should check your toilet paper for length.
How to make a solar system model?
To make a solar system model, start by finding a large cardboard box and painting it black to represent space. Next, gather 5 polystyrene balls in various sizes to represent gas giants like the sun, Jupiter, and Neptune. Paint the largest ball yellow, then paint the remaining planets.
How many balls do you need to make the Sun?
If possible, find these in three different sizes. They should all fit in the box with a little room left over, although they don't have to squeeze in all in a row. You'll need: One large ball to make the sun (maximum 4" / 10 cm across) Two medium balls to make Jupiter and Saturn (maximum 3" / 7.5 cm)
How many planets can you fit in a shoe box?
You'll need to fit nine planets plus the sun into this, so make sure you have enough room. This should be at least as large as a men's shoebox, which is roughly 15" x 10" x 5½" (36 x 25 x 13 cm). Paint the box black. Cover the inside of the box with black acrylic paint, along with the short outer sides.
How many planets orbit the Sun?
There are eight known planets orbiting our sun, including Earth. Making a model is a fun introduction to this solar system, and a good art project for primary school science classes. This detailed example can take a few hours to make, but most of that involves waiting for paint or clay to dry. Steps.
What paint to use to paint planets?
Acrylic paint is your best option, since some other paints can dissolve polystyrene. Choose a variety of colors to paint your planets, including orange or gold, yellow, red, white, and dark blue. If you're not sure whether a paint works on polystyrene, check the label for brush cleaning instructions.
Can you make a model on a table?
You can make the model on any table or flat work surface. As long as you have enough space and stability, you'll be fine.
Solar System Model Inputs
Calculate the scaled planet diameters and planet-sun distances for a solar system model. Enter scale or diameter or distance, select to show table and/or map below, select options, then press Calculate. Examples: Scale 1 : 100000000 or Sun Diameter = 10 cm or Neptune Distance from Sun = 1000 ft.
Solar System Model Map
You may right-click (or equivalent gesture) on the map to change latitude & longitude.
What is solar system model?
A solar system model is an effective tool that teachers use to teach about our planet and its environment. The solar system is made of the sun (a star), as well as the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, and the celestial bodies that orbit those planets (like moons).
What are the two types of solar systems?
Types of Solar System Models. There are two main types of models: box models and hanging models. You will need a very large (basketball sized) circle or semi-circle to represent the sun. For a box model, you could use a large foam ball, and for a hanging model, you could use an inexpensive toy ball. You will often find inexpensive balls ...
How to make a hanging model?
To make a hanging model, you can use straws or wooden dowel rods (like for grilling kebabs) to connect the planets to the sun in the center. You could also use a hula-hoop toy to form the main structure, suspend the sun in the middle (connect it to two sides), and hang the planets around the circle.
What is the best paint to use for planets?
They are inexpensive, lightweight, and they come in a variety of sizes; however, if you intend to color the planets, be aware that regular spray paint in a can often contain chemicals that will dissolve Styrofoam —so it is best to use water-based paints.
Do all planets have a straight line?
However, although you may have heard the term "planetary alignment" used by astronomers, they do not mean the planets are all in a straight line, they are simply referring to some of the planets being in the same general region. To make a box model, cut off the top flaps of the box and set it on its side.
What is scale model?
A scale model is a representation or copy of something that is larger or smaller than the actual object but maintains the relative proportions. The cars in the image on the right are all scale models that represent real cars.
How big is the Milky Way galaxy?
7. Here is a painting of our Milky Way galaxy, with the Sun marked. The galaxy is 100,000 light-years across. On our scale, where the Sun is a 2.5m balloon, how big would this galaxy be?
How many Earths would fit inside the Sun?
2. How many Earths would fit inside the Sun? ~1 million
How many miles is a light year?
A light-year is a unit of distance, equal to the distance light travels in a year. This is about 6 trillion miles.
What size are Saturn's rings?
Jupiter glued to a mirror . For Saturn’s rings, have TAP™ cut a semicircle “doughnut”: 450 mm (16″ in diameter, rings 76 mm (3″) wide, 250 mm (10″) semicircle cut out in center. The rings can be painted and covered with sparkles to simulate ice.
How far away is the real moon from the Earth?
3. The instructor will show you the scale model Earth and Moon. The real Moon is about 385,000 km from the Earth, about 30 times the Earth’s diameter. How far away should the scale Moon be placed from the scale Earth?
Can we print planets to scale?
Pictures don’t help much . Although we could print the planet sizes to scale, the paper would need to be way too large to show the scaled distances. Instead, to help you understand the sizes and distances of our solar system, we’ve created a scale model.
Problem
Materials
- Meter stick (this project is much easier if you use the metric system—besides, scientists always use this system!)
- Big outdoor space, at least 33 meters long. Do your experiment on a day that is not windy.
- Paper
- Pencil
Procedure: Scale Model of Distances from Sun
- Trace 9 circles using the bowl as a guide. Because the distance scale model only is concerned about distances between the planets, you can make all the planets the same size.
- Label the circles Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
- Cut the circles out.
- Position yourself as the Sun.
Procedure: Scale Model of Relative Diameters of Planets
- First, we need to compare the diameter of the Earth to that of the other planets. Remember that diameter is the length of a straight line going through the middle of a circle. The Earth’s diameter...
Results
- When you build the scale model of solar system distances, you will undoubtedly notice that some of your friends will be much closer together than others. Some of your friends will have to stand quite close to each other, while others will be far enough away to have a hard time hearing you! When you compare the sizes of the planets, Jupiter and Saturn will seem gigantic compared to t…
Why?
- The inner planets of the solar system (Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars) are relatively close to the Sun and each other, while the outer planets are relatively distant from each other and the Sun. The material that makes up the solar system is not distributed evenly. The Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune make up the bulk of the material in the solar system. Our own planet is tin…
Going Further
- Do you want to make a scale model of the solar system where boththe distances and diameters are proportional to reality? This table expresses the diameters in A.U, so the size of the planet is proportional to its distance from the Sun. Remember that we set 1 AU, the distance between the Earth and Sun, as equal to 1 meter. As you can see, all the planets would be too tiny to trace an…