The model was created by a group of volunteers, led by UMPI professors Kevin McCartney and David Hobbins. The project began in 1997 and was completed in 2003. It features all the planets of our solar system, including Pluto, which is still included despite its reclassification as a dwarf planet. Each planet is accurately depicted to scale, both in size and distance from the sun, providing a tangible perspective of the vastness of our solar system.
The Maine Solar System Model is not just a roadside attraction but also an educational tool. It’s used by schools and universities for teaching astronomy and space science. Visitors can take a self-guided tour along Route 1, starting from the sun located at UMPI and ending at the dwarf planet Eris, located 40 miles away at the Houlton Information Center. The model offers a unique, hands-on experience of our solar system and is a must-visit for anyone interested in astronomy.
