The Ringgenberg-Goldswil Pathway to the Planets demonstrates the dimensions of our solar system in an easily understandable way. The sun, planets and the vast distances between them are shown on a scale of 1:1 billion over a distance of twelve kilome-tres. In reality, one millimetre equals one thousand kilometres and normal walking speed equals approximately five times the speed of light!
The pathway also illustrates just how minuscule our solar system is in relation to the whole universe. Pluto, the outermost planet is approximately six kilometres from the centre. Proximal Centauri, the nearest fixed star,would have to be placed 40,000 kilometres away–almost exactly the circumference of the earth. The centre of the Milky Way would be on the moon and our neighbouring galaxy, Andromeda Nebula, would be placed far beyond our solar system.
A unique feature of the Ringgenberg-Goldswil model is that the planets have been depicted radiating in two directions from the centre, allowing various ways to explore our solar system. You can stroll from the centre to the east or west or take the opposite direction from the outer edge into the centre. In around five hours you can walk across the entire solar system, from the outermost planetary orbit on one side, through the centre to the outermost planetary orbit on the other side.
The starting point at the «Burgkirche» (church) Ringgenberg is easily reached by rail, bus or lake steamer with just a five-minute walk from the railway station or boat landing stage and a two-minute walk from the bus stop at the village post office.
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Flyer