Discover and build our Solar System with this 3D-printed model!
Contents: all planets of the Solar System + Pluto + 7 major moons (Moon included) + Saturn's rings
Model scale: 1 : 1'188'500'00 ensuring accurate representation without excessive material usage.
Data source for the model: NASA's Planetary Fact Sheet
Extras included: datasheet in PDF and editable
Excell version with actual size and scale data of all model elements regarding diameter and distance from the Sun with the possibility of calculating customisable distance scales (already present data with suggested scale).
NEW Updates June 2024: added Saturn's rings, model datasheet in PDF and Excell version, 3MF files and improvements to certain STL files
The model is ideal for: astronomy enthusiasts, educational purposes, DIY projects and space lovers.
What does it contain in detail?
Containing the main celestial bodies and some major moons in scale as STL files, this set includes:
● Mercury
● Venus
● Earth (1.07 cm, 0.42 inch ∅ diameter)
➥ Moon
● Mars
● Jupiter (largest object, 12.03 cm, 4.73 inch ∅ diameter)
➥ Ganymede
➥ Callisto
➥ Europa
➥ Io
● Saturn + Rings
➥ Titan
● Uranus
● Neptune
➥Triton
● Pluto (smallest object, 0.2 cm, 0.078 inch ∅ diameter)
Assembly
With convenient assembly, simply place the planets on a base using a 3-mm diameter wood skewer or similar and put planets onto a skewer using the hole provided or glue them on top.
Additionally, these model pieces can be arranged to reflect the order of the planets and their relative distances, providing a dimensional and spatially accurate representation.
Values for a recommended distance scale of 1 : 2398373983739 are already in the included PDF file. Use the included excel sheet to calculate the desired custom scale.
Experimenting with different scales adds another layer of authenticity to your model, offering a dynamic and educational experience for enthusiasts of all ages.
Description of parts
The larger model pieces, provided with a central hole for the skewer, can be 3D printed in two hemispheres. This facilitates printing and allows the structure of the Saturn and Uranus rings to be threaded between the two halves.
In the smaller pieces of the model, which cannot be threaded onto the skewer and are much smaller in size than the skewer, the pointed end tip of the skewer is already part of the piece itself; they should be glued on top of a skewer without a tip.
Add Saturn and Uranus' iconic rings
To add Saturn and Uranus' iconic rings between the two halves, you can create them using either cardstock or by laminating a printed image onto paper to create a transparency effects.
This simple yet effective technique allows you to replicate the distinctive rings with ease, enhancing the overall authenticity of your Solar System model.
For Saturn you can otherwise use those included in the model to be 3D printed. Saturn's rings include gaps, division of the A, B, C, D and F rings in scale and different thicknesses to highlight less dense areas such as the Cassini division.
Model coloring
Enhance the realism of the moons and planets with acrylic colors. With the planets held securely in place by the skewer, you can easily add texture and detail following references from the web, achieving a more lifelike appearance.
Genesis of the project
This model uses the principle of models made from Styrofoam spheres, as they could not be found in the right diameter they were designed to be 3D printed accurately
Strengths and advantages
Understanding the dimensions of space with a scale model you can make with your own hands, which you can touch, is definitely an interesting educational experience and really allows you to see with your own eyes what is around us in the universe.
Notes
The Sun
The Sun isn't included in the model because it would need to be too large to scale—117 cm in diameter. Instead, you can use a large sphere, a large fitness ball or an LED lamp to represent it.
Disclaimer
Despite careful design, we do not accept responsibility and make no guarantee as to the accuracy of the dimensions utilized in the model, as dimensions may vary depending on approximations, supplier specifications, and measurement criteria utilized.
More info, tips and suggestions
For more information, tips and details visit my website https://elektrooon.wordpress.com/solar-system/
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