Information about the Model
Structure
The model of the Sun is a ball 140cm in diameter and made out of steel tubes which has been placed atop a 20m tall pillar at the Patterimäki of Pajamäki. Because of this, the model rises over 50m above sea level and is therefore visible (at least if using binoculars) to even the most distant planet models.
The four closest planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, range in diameter from 5mm to 13mm and are within a little more than 200m from the model of the Sun. The Earth and the Moon are within 150m of the model of the Sun. The diameter of the Earth is 13mm and 38cm away from it is the Moon.
Jupiter is the largest of the planets and its model is 14cm in diameter. It is located at Talinhuippu, 817m away from the Sun and near the horseracing track of Vermo. The ringed planet Saturn is at the eastern end of Pitäjänmäentie, 1444m from the model of the Sun.
The Neptune model, 5cm in diameter, is on the western shore of Lehtisaari by a bridge, 4887m from the model of the Sun. Uranus and Pluto have been placed in Espoo. Uranus is on the grounds of Villa Elfvik, the environmental education centre of Espoo. Uranus is the only planet which could not be placed in a spot where the model of the Sun would have been visible, but it can be seen from the nearby pier of the Laajalahti marina.
The smallest and the farthest of the planets, Pluto, is 6102m from the model of the Sun on the cycling bridge crossing the Karhusalmi. Pluto is only 2mm in size and therefore it has been implemented differently inside a small length of pipe. (In June 2000 both the planet and the guide chart were missing.) The other planets have been made out of steel and placed on top of grey concrete pillars.
The models are correct in scale and in distance and guide charts are set up next to them with information about the Sun and each planet. The explanatory texts are in Finnish, Swedish, and English.
The model demonstrates only the distances of the solar system. In the scale of the model, the closest star after the Sun would be 40 000 km away. As a matter of fact, the model of the Sun could represent the closest star as well, but one must just first go around the globe.
Background
The idea for the model came from Leo Sulamaa whose hobby has been astronomy for several decades. He has also had an observatory in Pajamäki. The Astronomical Society Ursa proposed setting up the model to the City of Helsinki. The Environmental Production unit of the Public Works Department prepared and set up the models quickly and professionally. The mapping unit prepared the maps of the model and the measuring unit measured the locations of the models within one centimeter. [Note that the organization of the PWD has changed at least twice since the building of the model] Leo Sulamaa and Seppo Linnaluoto were working closely on the implementation during its most hectic phase on daily basis.
The model of the solar system is a good example of how it is possible, even during recession, to implement large scale projects quickly and cheaply.
Maintenance of the Model
The City of Helsinki and the Astronomical Society Ursa look after the models. Vandals have occasionally bothered the models. If you find that the models or their guide charts have been vandalized, Please call Ursa at 09 684 0400.
Guide and Visiting
One can ask Ursa for maps for visiting the model. In the year 2000 telephone directory of Helsinki the Sun and the planets were marked (with the exception of Uranus) with stars. There are bicycling maps and topographic maps with the locations of the planets at each of the planets with info kiosks. There is also a large overall map and a small inner planets map which may help you locate the model.
The most practical way to tour the models is by bicycle. A hiking/biking trail has been marked on the maps on the information boards. Binoculars are also a useful thing to have so that one can see the model of the Sun from the more distant planets. One can also use a car for touring the models, but that is somewhat cumbersome and difficult.
View the Helsinki metropolitan area guide map.
