Walk through the Solar System
The Kirchberg Solar System project imagines an urban route where the Sun and planets are represented at the same scale for both size and distance. The aim is to convey the vastness of space through a simple experience: walking from one celestial body to the next.
A scale of 1:10 billion
At this scale, one metre along the route represents ten million kilometres in space. The Sun would be about 14 cm across, while Earth would be a tiny sphere about 1.3 mm across, nearly 15 metres from the Sun. Neptune would be roughly 450 metres away.
14 cm
The Sun’s approximate diameter in the model.
15 metres
The average Sun–Earth distance at this scale.
450 metres
The average distance to Neptune in the model.
These figures are rounded and use average orbital distances: the planets move and do not remain permanently aligned. The final route has yet to be defined.
Information stations for learning and exploration
The concept includes information stations, designed as display cases or posts, introducing each planet and its characteristics. QR codes could lead to dedicated pages, illustrations and further explanations. Solar power is being considered for elements that would need energy.
The route is intended for pedestrians, cyclists, families and school groups, with visibility from passing routes and the tram. Locations, permissions, partners and technical arrangements will need to be studied before implementation.
A symbolic link to the stars
The idea could extend to Proxima Centauri: at this scale, the neighbouring star would be about 4,017 kilometres away. This contrast would show how, even after a walk of a few hundred metres between planets, distances between stars are on a radically different scale. A symbolic partner station is being considered.