A Description of The Solar System Model
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Aroostook County, in Northern Maine, is building a 40 mile (64.6 km) long scale model
of the solar system, at a scale of 1 mile equaling the distance from earth
to sun. The model extends along Route 1, between the University of Maine
at Presque Isle campus and the Houlton Information Center at the end of
I-95. The model has ten major components, those being the sun and the nine
planets from Mercury to Pluto, with moons for Earth, Saturn, Jupiter (4)
and Pluto.
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The
model serves as an educational resource and tourist attraction. It will
also draw attention to Northern Maine, The University at Presque Isle, and
the Northern Maine Museum of Science located there. All planets except Pluto
would be visible from the road. Educational information on the planets would
be found in the brochure, available at the Information Center in Houlton.
The small models are mounted on tall - ten foot high above ground level
- posts to be viewed from the car, with the planets included within a 1-foot
(3.048 dm) diameter semicircular structure to better show the tilt of the planets.
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The
planets are exhibited as three-dimensional models. The two largest planetary
models Jupiter and Saturn measure 4-5 feet across (1.22 - 1.52 m) and the two mid-sized
planets Uranus and Neptune measuring 21-22 inches (53 - 56 cm) require rather substantial
monuments. However, there is local precedent and experience for models of
this size, as both Presque Isle and Caribou have built large, permanent,
monuments commemorating the first two balloon crossings of the Atlantic
Ocean. These include models of the balloon envelopes that are larger in
size than the envisioned planets. These models
were constructed largely by local technical and high schools and funded
by local service organizations. The solar system model requires a similar
process in which local individuals and organizations take a direct role
in construction and financing.
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The
last planet, Uranus, was set on its base on June 13th. The formal unveiling
of the Maine Solar System Model happened at 1:00 on Saturday, June 14th
2003.
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