8A10.10 - Orrery Model

Code Number:
8A10.10
Demo Title:
Orrery Model
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Star Patterns
Area of Study:
Astronomy
Equipment:
Planetarium with fresh batteries.
Procedure:

Set the Orrery with platform on the table and plug it in.  It will go forward and backward, so make sure you have it going in the correct direction for class.  Run for a few minutes to see the planetary orbits take shape.  For storage you will need to run the Orrery backwards so that the planets line up or you will need to loosen the set screws and reset them manually so that the cover can be placed over them again.

The plastic Orrery is just for show and tell.

References:
  • Figuring Physics, TPT, Vol. 51, # 5, May 2013, p. 266.
  • Peter Newbury, "Exploring the Solar System with a Human Orrery", TPT, Vol. 48, # 9, December 2010, p 573.
  • Janice VanCleave,  "Box Planetarium", Astronomy for Every Kid - 101 Easy Experiments That Really Work, pp. 144-145.
  • "Planetarium", 2003 Science Supplement (spring), ISBN  # 0-7172-1575-x Grolier Incorporated.
  • "The Common Orrery", Pike's Illustrated Catalogue of Scientific & Medical Instruments, 1984, p. 113.


Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.