Scale solar system distances

How do students calculate scale distances between planets?

Using spreadsheet software, students will determine the size of and/or distances between planets on a solar system model that fits on a playground. Decide in advance if students will calculate scale distance from the Sun to the planets, scale size of planets or both.

How accurate is a scale solar system?

Some scale models show just scale distances, some show just scale planet sizes, while some display both. An accurate size and distance scale model in which Mercury, the smallest planet, is 1 mm across would require about half a mile to properly display the distance from the Sun to Neptune. There are scale solar systems all over the world.

How do you measure the distance between planets in the Solar System?

Solar System in the Yard (scale distance model) Use distance markers like cones or popsicle sticks in your yard or an open area to create a scale model of the distances between planets in the solar system. Use distance markers like cones, ground stakes, or popsicle sticks to mark the locations of the planets at the distances you calculated.

How do you scale a solar system?

Decide on the diameter of Earth in your scale model. Keep in mind that a 1-cm Earth means the scale distance from the Sun to Neptune is about two miles. Consider making your scale Earth just a few millimeters across. To calculate the scale solar system, you'll need to work with proportions and ratios, as shown in this equation.

How do I calculate scaled planet diameters & planet-Sun distances?

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. Please enter scale or diameter or distance from sun. Orbits of objects beyond Neptune are highly eccentric ellipses, not circles. Map not shown.

How do I create a scale solar system model?

Choose one of the links below to view procedures for creating the scale solar system model of your choice: Have students open the Scale Distance spreadsheet, or guide them through creating a similar spreadsheet layout. With students, point out the distances in astronomical units (au) from the Sun to each planet.