World's Largest Orrery?

What the heck is an orrery? 

An orrery is a mechanical model of the solar system that illustrates or predicts the relative positions and motions of the planets and moons, usually according to the heliocentric model. Wikipedia

Well, this one isn't exactly mechanical. It's called The Human Orrery as it is updated by human volunteers and humans can walk the orbits of the planets. It is located on the campus of the Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center (for whom the aforementioned volunteers work). It is a non-profit organization dedicated to public outreach.

See this article on their website.

Photos by Gregg

The stepping stones represent the orbits of each planet, and they accurately depict how each planet has a slightly off-axis path, rising and falling in it's trip around the Sun.

Earth is in the foreground, then Venus, and the Sun is on the platform in the center.

The outer planets and poor demoted Pluto, the dwarf planet, are represented by flags way out into the desert. The barrels around the perimeter tell you where to go:

I'm going to do a separate post about the observatory.



The Human Orrery.kmz (768 B)

What the heck is an orrery?

Exactly what I was thinking when I clicked on your post, Gregg.  Now I know! This looks like a great place to take kids of the older variety. 

I haven't visited Joshua Tree N.P. since before it was a National Park. Next time I'll probably stay in town for a night or two and will be sure to visit the museum. It looks like it's worth a stop.

May 12, 2015 15:36:39 GMT Hill said:

I haven't visited Joshua Tree N.P. since before it was a National Park. Next time I'll probably stay in town for a night or two and will be sure to visit the museum. It looks like it's worth a stop.

The locals call JTNP "the Monument" and this dates back to when you were here. Prior to 1994, when it was declared a National Park, it was a U.S. National Monument.

If you do come here, Hill, I'd love to meet you in person.