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Mar 10, 2024

City working with New Zealand observatory to add another element to solar system project

By ohtadmin | on August 31, 2023 The Cawthron Atkinson Observatory in Atawhai, Nelson, NZ. Photo courtesy Wikipedia SWARTZ CREEK — An astronomical observatory in New Zealand appears to be on board to

By ohtadmin | on August 31, 2023

The Cawthron Atkinson Observatory in Atawhai, Nelson, NZ. Photo courtesy Wikipedia

SWARTZ CREEK — An astronomical observatory in New Zealand appears to be on board to partner with the City of Swartz Creek’s in the plan to install a scale model solar system along the Genesee Valley Trail extension.

The solar system trail will begin with the sun at Elms Park and continue to Neptune at the new Otterburn Park on Bristol Road.

The trail distance is about one mile, while the actual distance from the sun to Neptune is just less than 2.78 billion miles.

Using the same scale, the Cawthron Atkinson Observatory in Atawhai, Nelson, NZ, is located about the same distance from Swartz Creek as Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our solar system, is situated from the sun.

“We’re all excited about it and I think it will be something unique and interesting that combines science and education with the outdoors,” said Samantha Fountain, economic and community development director for the city. “It’s really different, something other places don’t have here in Genesee County.”

The project still hinges on funding, and Fountain expects to launch a crowdfunding campaign in conjunction with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places program within weeks.

The MEDC program will provide half of the funding if the city can raise the other half of the estimated $30,000 to $50,000 cost for the signage.

The city had applied for a grant through the Consumers Energy Foundation and made it to the top 10 before being eliminated from the running.

Fountain and City Manager Adam Zettel are currently working with a design team to create mock ups of the signs and put together the final cost estimate to kick off the crowdfunding campaign.

If all goes well, the signs are likely to be installed in the spring.

All of the signs will be the same size and shape, but Fountain said the design team is working to add a planet-specific tactile element to each sign.

“We’re hoping to add a 3D pop-out that people can touch,” she said. “The signs will also have different pictures and some fun trivia information.”