Art and Science in the Sweden Model Solar System

Goesta Gahm
Stockholm Observatory, Sweden

The Sweden Solar System (SSS) is the world's largest model of our planetary system. The Sun is represented by the Globe in Stockholm, the largest spherical building, in the world. The planets are placed and sized according to this scale (1:20 million), with the inner planets in Stockholm and Jupiter (7.3 m) at the international airport of Arlanda. Pluto and Charon are located 300 km north of the Globe, and the comet Swifft-Tuttle is found 500 km south of Stockholm.

Most planet stations are connected to exhibits informing about astronomy and other natural sciences. In addition an important ambition has been to connect to cultural activities with "cosmic" inspiration. Several artists have been involved in the presentation of the celestial bodies and their meaning in mythology. The present paper summerizes our experiences in these type of collaborations.