Scale & Size

7.5 - Be able to use information about the scale of the Solar System

Understanding the size differences of objects in the solar system as well as their correct distances from each other is important. There are many good projects that will show you how to make your own scale model.

Use the Animations, Data and Links on the right to understand the scale of our Solar System.

 

Diameters & Distance Data
Descriptions of objects, diameters and distances in AU and million kilometres
Object Diameter (km)* AU Distance
(million km)*
Sun 1,400,000 - -
Mercury 4,900 0.4 59
Venus 12,100 0.7 108
Earth 12,750 1 150
Mars 6,800 1.5 228
Ceres 940 2.7 410
Jupiter 142,800 5.2 778
Saturn 120,000 9.5 1,427
Uranus 51,000 19.2 2,871
Neptune 49,500 30 4,497
Pluto 2,300 39 5,914.0
Sedna 1,400
 76 -
975		 11,400 -
146,250
Kuiper Belt -
 100 -
1000		 ?
Oort Cloud - 10,000 -
20,000		 ?

Earth to Moon Distance = 385,000 km
Moon Diameter 3,500 km

* Approx. Distances
** Distance from Sun

 


Excellent Scale Model of the Solar System. Open's in new window. Use zoom to move around and scroll.
Taken from http://i.imgur.com/MjokrA9.png Original Reddit Discussion here.
Interactive

  Solar System Distances

  Solar System Interactive

Mix & Match

Planets in order from the Sun

Planets Orbital Periods

Links