8A20.70 - Scale of the Earth/Sun/Moon System

Code Number:
8A20.70
Demo Title:
Scale of the Earth/Sun/Moon System
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Relative Sizes
Area of Study:
Solar System
Equipment:
Earth, Sun, (Scale Models), Earth, Moon, (Scale Models), Page of Distances.
Procedure:

Make sure the teacher knows the size and distance relationships.  In scale it should be the 12 inch diameter sun and the 1/8th inch diameter earth at 100 ft. distance apart.  Also in scale the 1 inch diameter earth and the 1/4th inch diameter moon at 30 inches distance apart.

References:
  • Michael LoPresto, "A Classroom Activity and Laboratory on Astronomical Scale", TPT, Vol. 55, #7, Oct. 2017, p. 442.
  • Paul Hewitt, "Figuring Physics: Distance To Moon and Sun", TPT, Vol. 53, #2, Feb. 2015, p. 118.
  • Lars Broman, "A Model of the Solar System Improved by Means of Pinhole Optics", TPT, Vol. 11, # 8, Nov. 1973, p. 489.
  • Judith Lean, "Living with a Variable Sun", Physics Today, Vol. 58, #6, June 2005, p. 32.
  • Janice VanCleave, "Make a Scale Model of the Planets of the Solar System That Shows the Planets' Distances from the Sun", Super Science Challenges, p. 9.
  • Isaac Asimov, "Worlds in Order", Science, p. 140.
  • Janice VanCleave, "Sun Size", 202 Oozing, Bubbling, Dripping, & Bouncing Experiments, p. 11.
  • R.D. Edge, "1.45: The Size of the Sun", String and Sticky Tape Experiments, p. 2.
  • R. Gardner, "A Hallway Solar System", Make an Interactive Science Museum, p. 165.

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.