Giant Solar System Model

We were commissioned to create a very large Solar System model consisting of all of the known 9 planets. The new 10th planet was not considered for this traditional model although we did have discussions about creating it as well to be complete. The client was outfitting a Science Laboratory in Huntsville, Alabama and our planets were going to be the showpiece.

As with any project, compromises had to be made. In this case we made all the rocky planets between 18″- 30″ in diameter.Jupiter was 4′ across as was Saturn overall. Although this is not to scale, the vastly differing sizes of a scale model precluded it from having the desired impact. Secondary material was posted illustrating TRUE scale sizes of the planets relative to each other on the science floor below along the walls so this was a reasonable compromise in our view.

The project went very well, and the planets were well received. Each planet was painted with airbrush and hand brush to create a work of art, yet maintain a level of accuracy. For each planet there are details that match known details of the real places. Our kudos to master artist and key modelmaker Ed Miarecki for his talent on this project!