Sagan Planet Walk

Tourist attraction · Ithaca

Sagan Planet Walk

Tourist attraction · Ithaca

171 Ithaca Cmns, Ithaca, NY 14850

Highlights

Scaled solar system model honoring Carl Sagan, 3/4 mile walk

171 Ithaca Cmns, Ithaca, NY 14850 Get directions

sciencenter.org

@onthegrid

On the Grid : Sagan Planet Walk

"Walk the solar system, visiting each of the planets and the asteroid belt. Created in honor of famed astronomer and Cornell professor Carl Sagan in 1997, it is a scaled model of the solar system that takes you on a 3/4 mile journey from the center of the Commons (the sun) to the Sciencenter where Pluto wages its lonely war against planetary deniers. It's still on the the trail because though it lost its planetary status in 2006 what do you do with an outdated obelisk and a map that ends short of its original destination? Each planet is represented by an obelisk, so you won't wonder if perhaps you missed one of those pesky outer planets along the way." - St. John Design Group

https://onthegrid.city/ithaca/downtown-ithaca/sagan-planet-walk

View Postcard for Sagan Planet Walk

Evan Smith

Google

The Sagan Planet/Space Walk is a scale model of our solar system. Starting with the sun, you can scan a QR code, follow arrows on the monuments, and/or dial into a phone tour narrated by Bill Nye. You’ll end up walking through some beautiful neighborhoods with bookshops and cafes to explore, parks, etc. It is very much worth the time, especially if the weather is nice. Follow the planets and then head to one of the many gorge trails! I will only post photos of the very beginning of the walk with the Sun and Mercury

Victoria Gonzalez

Google

Underwhelming. It is a cool concept, but it is difficult to find the planets after Mars. We wished there were better markers or sidewalk paint to help direct us to each planet. Also, several of the planets had graffiti on them which was disappointing.

Carter Rackard

Google

What a great idea for a landmark! This is a fun, informative walk where you learn the scale of the solar system and facts about the planets and interplanetary bodies. You can even touch a meteorite that is more than a billion years old. Saturn's obelisk was not available to view due to construction work while we were there, but that's just bad luck. The tops of the obelisks are adorned with the respective planetary astronomical symbols, but unfortunately some were missing (either stolen or had fallen off), and I hope they are replaced. Bill Nye's audio tour is a great touch. We loved this attraction.

Terry Sun

Google

Not bad, lots interesting stores

Beth Pgi

Google

A pleasant, relatively flat, walk through downtown that ends at the Science Center, which had restrooms to use after the walking tour ended. About half-way through there was a Kinney Drugstore where we purchased drinks. We did the audio tour on our cell phone that accompanied the info plaques at each planet "station" stop. Lots of info for all ages - Data, facts and highlights! In my group: an 80 yr old, 50 yr old and 20 yr old. Halfway back, the 80 yr old did get tired at which time the 20 yr old completed the return walk solo to the car in downtown and returned to pick her up. One of the planet stations was missing (Jupiter...I think?) bc of development going on. Overall, a pleasant surprise and afternoon.

D H

Google

Very cool, did the call in to hear Bill Nye narrate some facts. Needs updated however, info was from pre-2015.

Jonathan Combs

Google

This is a good concept and one I was interested in experiencing. Unfortunately there was some construction that had the side walk blocked off by one of the markers. I think it was Earth, but was never able to find Mars, so it could have been either. I couldn't find any official maps online, and the few images I did find had discrepancies. I eventually gave up.

Joe

Google

This was a great experience back when my cousins visited many years ago. I haven't done it in a very long time but definitely a fun walk.