The County 2018 | Aroostook County Tourism | Page 39

THE SOLAR SYSTEM & THE NIGHT SKY
UP HERE, THE NIGHT IS YOURS FOR THE TAKING.
The night sky of The County is darker than much of the rest of the
USA, making it an ideal spot for naked-eye stargazing.
MAINE SOLAR SYSTEM MODEL
Aroostook County is home to the largest three-dimensional scale model of
the solar system in the world. Located along a 40-mile stretch of US Route 1,
between the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus and the Houlton
Information Center at the end of I-95. Built on a scale where one mile
represents the 93 million miles from the Earth to the sun, each galactic replica
is built to scale and spaced appropriately. The system includes the sun, the nine
planets from Mercury to Pluto, moons for Earth, Saturn, Jupiter, and Pluto,
and three dwarf planets. Two models of Pluto recognize its past status as
a planet and its new status as a dwarf planet since 2006.
Most of the three-dimensional models are mounted outdoors on 10-foot poles
and the Sun is located inside Folsom-Pullen Hall at UMPI. You’ll find the first
Pluto is inside the Houlton Visitor Center. Travelers wishing to stop for a selfie
with their favorite planet can access the pullouts found at most of the sites.
When weather permits, stargazers visiting The County are rewarded with a
crystal clear view of the many stars and constellations, many of the nearby planets,
meteors and meteor showers, as well as eclipses, the International Space Station,
and other objects visible from Earth. Those with an abundance of luck might
even be able to experience the eerie glow of the Northern Lights.
Those looking to explore further should visit the Francis Malcolm Science
Institute in Easton. As home to the northernmost planetarium theater in the
United States, the center provides a unique environment for learning. A new
digital projection system provides an immersive, full-dome experience in
shows like ‘Cosmic Colors’ and ‘Flight Adventures.’
WHEN TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
The beauty of the Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, is almost
indescribable—shimmering waves of multi-color light in the night sky. The
phenomenon is caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with
the gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, making them glow.
As one of the nation’s top dark-sky resources, Aroostook County is a terrific
place to view the lights, which occur two or three times a year, usually in the
winter. News outlets often report when the lights might be active. Head away
from town, turn off your car lights, and raise your eyes to the sky.
For more information about stargazing in the region visit our website
or call Judy at 888-216-2463.
VisitAroostook.com
VisitAroostook.com
37