Contemplate this bronze plate. It represents Saturn on the Planetenlehrpfad Bonn. This path is a scale model of our solar system.
The Planetenlehrpfad Bonn begins near the old waterworks. It ends in Graurheindorf. The path spans almost six kilometers. It offers a unique perspective on the solar system.
In September 2002 the Planetenlehrpfad Bonn was inaugurated. This followed two years of preparation. The path recreates the planets including Pluto at a scale of one to one billion.
Each station on the Planetenlehrpfad Bonn features a bronze plate. The plates show a relief-like depiction of the planet. Each also includes brief information. It is also in Braille. This makes the path accessible. In April 2004 signs were added. These signs help visitors orient themselves.
The model was initiated by the Bertolt-Brecht-Gesamtschule in Bonn. Seventh-grade students were involved. They received support from local businesses. They were also supported by the Marburg School for the Blind.
The Sun is located below the old waterworks. It has a diameter of 1.5 meters. Earth and Moon are on a shared plate. They are 150 meters from the Sun.
After 1.4 kilometers on the Planetenlehrpfad Bonn, you reach Saturn. Saturn is perhaps the most interesting. It has its prominent rings. Uranus is another 1.4 kilometers further along the path. After another 1.4 kilometers you will find Neptun before the Friedrich-Ebert-bridge. In reality Neptun is about 4.5 billion kilometers away from the sun. The planet path ends with Pluto. Pluto is located in the northern harbor area of Graurheindorf.
An interesting fact is that Proxima Centauri would be about one Earth circumference away. This gives you a sense of the scale. The Planetenlehrpfad Bonn offers a tangible way to understand our solar system.
As you stand here at the Saturn station reflect on the distances. Consider the sizes. Think about the collaborative effort. The Planetenlehrpfad Bonn makes the vastness of space accessible. It brings it down to Earth.