Scaling the Solar System Challenge

The astronomical unit or AU currently in use is derived from the average mean distance between the Earth and the Sun, which is approximately 93,000,000 miles. Working in groups, your task is to make a proposal that uses the average mean distance between the Sun and another planet in our solar system as the basis for determining the astronomical unit. In other words, is there a better baseline distance to use rather than the Sun-Earth baseline? What about using a Sun-Jupiter baseline? Or a Sun-Pluto baseline? Once you choose another planet, you will have to recalculate the scale of the solar system using your new chosen baseline and explain why your new baseline is a better choice than the Sun-Earth baseline. What are the advantages and disadvantages to your new scale?

Submit your presentation to the NASA CONNECT™ web site
in the form of a report, PowerPoint presentation, or other delivery method. There's a good chance that your proposal will be seen by millions of students across the country. In fact, you might receive some cool NASA stuff! We look forward to your submittals.

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