The Metro-Atlanta Solar System (MASS)
The Metro-Atlanta Scale Model Solar System (MASS) project is an informal science education tool for the residents of Atlanta, focused on helping people understand the size and scale of our solar system and the planets within it.
The center of the model is located at Bradley Observatory, where the Sun is represented by an approximately 30 foot diameter plaza. At eight other locations throughout Metro-Atlanta (shown below), two large format panels have been installed. One panel shows the extent of the MASS and the location of each of the planets. A second panel shows a scaled image of the planet that would be found at that location in its orbit around the Sun.
The sites for the exhibits have been chosen based on both their location (making sure that a planet's orbit would in fact cross the site at the scale being used), and their accessibility. We are planning a more extensive Web site to come online later this fall.