Your Guide to the Lethbridge Solar System Model
Your Guide to the Lethbridge Solar System Model
Have you ever wondered how far away the planets really are? When you look up in the sky on a clear night you can see the moon, stars, and even some planets way off in the distance—or at least their light which travels 300,000 km per second towards us! For thousands of years, people have been fascinated with the sky and everything it holds. But even with today's technology, it can be hard to conceptualize how far away the planets, sun, and moon really are. Luckily, the Lethbridge Astronomy Society has brought our solar system down to Earth with a 1:253,000,000 scale ratio model placed throughout the city. With select regional locations for those extremely far-out planets (I'm looking at you Neptune), you'll be able to take in the true distance between us and our spacial neighbours.
Lucky for all of us space-enjoyers, Chinook High School student Reid Decillia put together a video presentation for the Solar System's unveiling. It shows off each planet and their placements throughout the city.
The Sun
Starting at the centre of our solar system—and city —you'll find the Sun on top of the historic Clock Tower in Downtown Lethbridge. With a 5.5 metre diameter, the sun sets the scale size reflected in the planets throughout the city.
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Mercury
Take a stroll through our historic downtown to the planet closest to the sun—Mercury—located at the Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch. Love to learn? Every stop has a QR code you can scan with your phone to learn more about each planet. While you're visiting Mercury, you can even pop into the library to learn more, pick up some books, and access their free wifi!
Venus
Located in front of the Old Courthouse, nearby the Yates Memorial Theatre, Venus is a planet with culture. As the hottest planet, Venus is conveniently located in Lethbridge's hotspot for all things artsy! You may even want to buy tickets to a local show at the Yates to make your Venus-visit even hotter!
The Earth and The Moon
On the way to Venus and the Earth, you’ll wander past many local stores that are definitely worth detouring for! After some exploration, you'll find the Earth and Moon on the corner of 3rd st and 4th ave, right next to the main (downtown) fire station. This location is right at the entrance of downtown, fittingly placing our home planet in the spot where Lethbridge all began.
Mars
You'll find Mars right at the entrance of the Galt Museum and Archives. So not only can you learn about the solar system on your journey, you can learn about local and regional history as well. By the end, you're sure to be a true intellectual!
Jupiter
Jupiter is a bit more of a jump! Head to the patio of the Science Commons Building at the University of Lethbridge to see the model of this gas giant. As a bonus, this patio has a great view of the High Level Bridge, so be sure to snap a few pics before you leave. If you look closely, you may even be able to spot the sun atop the clock tower across the coulees. Now that's a true judge of distance!
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Saturn
The time has come to put a ring on it. Check out Saturn at the entrance of Chinook High School on Lethbridge's west side. This planet's beautiful rings shine in the sun, making the trip well worth it. Chinook High School is also right next the the Public Library's Crossings Branch, so make sure to stop by to continue your learning journey.
Uranus
Your trip through the solar system might be making you a bit hungry. Luckily the next stop—Uranus —is out at Broxburn Vegetables and Cafe! With a strawberry and raspberry u-pick in the summertime, vegetables grown on-site, and a cafe to serving farm-to-table delicious-ness, this is the tastiest stop on the tour!
Neptune
Relax in nature as you find Neptune out at Park Lake Provincial Park. Take a dip in the lake, have a picnic, or stay the night as you take in the vast size of our solar system and digest all that you learned!
Want to know more?
If you're still yearning for more, check out the Lethbridge Astronomy Society website by clicking here! They have pages on each planet (including endless fun facts) and information on all the educational opportunities available for Lethbridge's space-enthusiasts.