Sagan Planet Walk
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
The Sagan Planet Walk is a 3/4 mile (1,200 meters) long scale model of the solar system. It consists of several stone markers with interpretive signs describing the planets and other information. The walk is one five-billionth of the actual size of the solar system. The first marker is located on State Street between Cayuga and Tioga Streets, just outside Ithaca Commons. The walk extends northward and ends with Pluto at the Sciencenter. Click the link below for a map.
The walk was created to not only educate the public about the solar system but to also honor the life and legacy of Cornell University astronomy professor Carl Sagan (1934-1996), who was one of the foremost astronomers of the 20th century. He is best known for the 1980 television series he hosted and helped produce called Cosmos: A Personal Voyage. He was also a prolific author, penning hundreds of scientific papers and over 20 books.
Images
The Sagan Planet Walk was built in 1997 by the Sciencenter. Each marker features an interpretive sign, such as this one for the planet Mars.
Sources
"Sagan Planet Walk." Sciencenter. Accessed January 6, 2019. http://www.sciencenter.org/sagan-walk.html.