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Before constructing a solar system model, it is a good idea to have a rough estimate of the diameters and distances. Roughly speaking, if Earth's diameter = 1 Jupiter's diameter = 10 Sun's diameter = 100 Earth to Sun distance = 10,000 Saturn to Sun distance = 100,000 ********************************************************************* An Impressive Solar System Model Here's a model that seems very easy yet is nearly impossible to construct. Let's suppose you want to show Earth in relation to the nearest star α Centauri. Gee? Only two objects to construct? That's got to be easy. Make the Earth just 5 inches in diameter and on this scale α Centauri needs to be a sphere (or to make it a little easier) a circle that is 56 feet in diameter! Okay that is a bit clumsy but the next step is really difficult. And where does this 56 foot model of α Centauri have to be in order for it to be on the same scale as the 5 inch Earth? The Moon !! Yes, a 5 inch scale model of the Earth requires the scale model of the nearest star to be on the Moon if it is to be in scale with the Earth! Just think - this could be an impressive science project. If you are going to have your project judged when the Moon is visible from your classroom, this would really impress the judges and the students!