About 700 people—more than one percent of Aroostook County’s total population—participated in the building of the steel and fiberglass planets and many donated time to help make this unique vision a reality. Since the formal unveiling on June 14, 2003, the Maine Solar System Model has served as an educational resource for the people of northern Maine and has attracted tourists from all over the country, and even the world, to Aroostook County. The model has been featured in national publications such as Smithsonian magazine, Air and Space magazine, National Public Radio, Science magazine, and AAA New England Journey. Today the model stands as a testament to northern Maine and its commitment to education, community and the can-do attitude that made the model possible.
Timeline & News
Solar System Model Dedication
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Dignitaries attending the Solar Model unveiling are from left Dr. Bill Brewer from the University of Illinois, Director of the Planetary Society Wesley Huntress, NASA Astronaut Rex Walheim, Senator Susan Collins, UMPI President Nancy Hensel, Westfield Selectman Richard Watson, Jim Berry and Dr. Kevin McCartney.
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Presentation of a gift from NASA. This plaque contains an image of the Atlantis space shuttle, The International Space Station, and a Maine flag.
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At the planet Saturn
Website design made possible by a grant from the Maine Office of Tourism