A Scale Model of our Solar System

The solar system is so large that it can’t be shown to scale on a standard image. If the planet sizes are shown to scale, then the distances will be too large to fit in the image. On the other hand, if the distances are to scale then the objects will be too small to be visible.

The best way to understand the true dimensions of the solar system is to create a scale model. Use the tool below to visualize the solar system at various scales.

Instructions

We thank the Exploratorium for the inspiration through their webpage "Build a Solar System”. Adapted by Dr. Jennifer West from the Dunlap Institute at the University of Toronto

First, centre the map on your desired location. To do this, enter the coordinates in the box below and click "Centre Map". Or use the map controls on the left hand side to pan to the desired location and then click "Update Coordinates".
Latitude:
Longitude:
 
Next, choose a scale for the solar system by entering a value for the size of the sun (in mm) and then click "Calculate". Click on the "Draw Orbits" button to show the orbits of the planets on the map at your chosen scale. The orbits are drawn centred on the current map location. If you wish to change your current map location, recentre the map and click the "Draw Orbits" button again to redraw the orbits.
Planet Diameter (mm) Average Orbital Radius (km) Orbit Colour
Sun
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Moon
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Kuiper Belt
Oort Cloud