Alachua Astronomy Club: Solar System Walk (Letter)

	Alachua Astronomy Club, Inc.	Member Astronomical League	Member International Dark-Sky Association
	Solar System Walk	Member Astronomical League	Member International Dark-Sky Association
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Text of Letter Regarding Gainesville's "Missing Solar System"

The Solar System is Missing! In 1996 vandalizism finally took it toll on the solar system model that had stood along N.W. Eighth 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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