Download Scale Model of the Solar System

Solar System Scale Model
The scale model will show the distance from the Sun to each planet. It will show the planets lined up in
order. Please note that the planets are not actually lined up this way, but it is a convenient model to
illustrate the planets’ comparative distances.
1. Turn this paper over and sideways. On the left side of the paper, draw a small circle halfway
down to represent the Sun. Draw a dot in the center of the Sun.
2. Develop a scale that will allow you to fit the entire solar system on your paper.
Scale: 1 cm = ____________________ km
Object
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Distance (km)
Distance in scientific
notation (km)
Scaled distance (cm)
57,910,000
108,200,000
149,600,000
227,940,000
778,330,000
1,429,400,000
2,870,990,000
4,504,000,000
3. Measure the scaled distance from the center of the Sun to Mercury using a ruler. Draw and label
a dot to represent Mercury’s position.
4. Repeat this process for each planet.
5. Are the centimeter distances the actual distances to each planet? Explain what the centimeter
distances represent.
6. What was the purpose of writing the distances in scientific notation?
7. What was the purpose of scaling the distances to centimeters?
8. Describe how your model could be useful to scientists analyzing the solar system. Make three
observations about the solar system using your model.
9. Describe two limitations of your model.
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