More Information
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History of the Solar Walk
Scale of the Solar Walk
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Installation
Plaque Sample Rendering
Interpretive Sign A Rendering • Photo
Interpretive Sign B Rendering • Photo
Park Bench Photo
Also, see articles below
Make a Donation
List of Donors
Other Solar System Models
Links About the Solar System
Division of Cultural Affairs
Solar Walk Page
Artist's Web Site
E. Indianos Artwork
Day without Art (12/2/05)
Passport to the Stars (3/13/02)
Solar system comeback (2/28/02)
Stargazing Permitted (12/17/99)
Royal Park Theater Lobby,
also by artist E. Indianos
Fundraiser Seeks Stargazers (3/19/99)
Solar System Missing! (10/17/96)
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Gainesville's "Missing Solar System"
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The Solar System is Missing!
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In 1996 vandalism finally took its toll on the
solar system model that had stood along N.W. 8th Avenue since 1993.
This loss was noted by Gaineville Sun columnist Gary Kirkand and AAC
Vice President Howard Cohen, who wrote the following letter to the Gainesville Sun.
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To "Voice of the People,"
(Gainesville Sun, Wednesday, October 17, 1996):
Gary Kirkland informed Gainesville (Oct. 9) that our solar system has vanished.
He was referring to a series of signs along N.W. 8th Avenue
that served as a model for our solar system. These were erected three years ago by a past member
of the Alachua Astronomy Club (AAC). Financial contributors included businesses and the AAC itself.
Mr. Kirkland wrote vandals had stolen some signs, and the remaining planet signs were then removed
and returned to their sponsors. The Jupiter sign, which the AAC specifically funded, has not been
returned to us.
The Alachua Astronomy Club deplores the actions of those who stole the signs.
We are also distressed that the remaining signs were removed without the knowledge or
approval of the AAC. I do not know if any of the other sponsors were contacted before the
signs were taken down, but we were not approached. The Alachua Astronomy Club has decided
the signs must go back up and is discussing both the technological and financial means to
put up a newer and better solar system.
Teachers and citizens have told me they are irate and upset that the signs are gone.
Many organizations have built models of the solar system but Gainesville's design was
possibly unique. Our model spanned a nearly level, straight, one mile stretch of road.
This made both the entire solar system visible at once and allowed for adequate scaling
of both the distances and sizes of the planets and Sun. The location was also ideal --
a well-traveled road with nearby schools and a major city park. Many teachers walked
classes through the model. Gainesville's solar system was a wonderful way to visualize
our system of planets and inspire our young. We intend to put it back and hope the
Gainesville community will help support our efforts.
Howard L. Cohen
Alachua Astronomy Club Vice-President
cohen@astro.ufl.edu
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