Understand distances by walking them
The Solar System Trail turns astronomical distances into a walk. The Sun marks the starting point; the planets are placed at distances proportional to their average distance from it. Moving from one station to the next helps visitors of all ages experience the vastness of the Solar System and discover the worlds within it.
The concept is designed to work in many different places. A trail can be installed outdoors or indoors, with information panels, QR-code planet sheets and signs suited to its audience.
Four formats, from a park to a classroom
The route length adapts to the available space. The figures below are approximate and use average distances between the Sun and the planets.
Large · about 5 km
Neptune is about 4.5 km from the Sun. For a large public space or a town route.
Small · about 500 m
Neptune is about 450 m from the Sun. For a park or neighbourhood walk.
Mini · about 50 m
Neptune is about 45 m from the Sun. For a schoolyard or compact outdoor space.
Micro · about 5 m
Neptune is about 4.5 m from the Sun. For a classroom, corridor or display board.
A concept to adapt to every place
Each installation can choose its route, signs and level of detail. Planets can be represented by spheres or illustrations. If their size is enlarged to make them visible, that difference is clearly labelled so visitors can still understand the scale of the distances.
The project is open to discussions with towns, schools, associations and cultural venues interested in exploring an installation or creating their own version.
Open the Solar System Trail portal ↗Discover the Kirchberg project →
The Solar System trail guide
The guide explains the concept, scales, distances and stations. It includes a QR-code overview and illustrated fact sheets for every planet.