Ever shrunk the solar system to the size of a park? The Planetenwanderweg: Erde in Kassel offers this experience. It is a unique way to grasp the immense scale of space.
The Planetenwanderweg: Erde is a “map of the universe”. It shrinks the distances and sizes of planets. The scale is 1:495 million. This makes the planets visible from Earth and their relationship to the sun understandable. It is a sensory experience.
Our journey begins with the sun. It is visibly located above the glass entrance in the center of the Orangerie. From here, we space travelers move toward Mercury. Mercury is near the Karlswiese. Then we find Venus. Both Mercury and Venus are about the size of hazelnuts. Next is Earth. Earth is about the size of a walnut.
We continue along the axis of Karlsaue. We will discover Mars under the oak avenue. Then we see Jupiter. Jupiter is a golden sphere. It sits on the roof of the small temple. The temple is on Schwaneninsel in Aueteich. Saturn and Uranus are outside Karlsaue. If you want to reach Neptune, you must travel to the R1 cycle path in Guntershausen.
The Planetenwanderweg: Erde was created from 1996 to 2021. It offers an accessible model of our solar system. It is a great place for both learning and exploration. The Planetenwanderweg: Erde makes you feel the universe. It is an experience that will change your perspective. It is also a fun way to spend an afternoon in Kassel. So, take a walk and experience the solar system. The Planetenwanderweg: Erde awaits.