By Nicole Fotheringham • Updated Mar 24, 2022
Styrofoam spheres are an affordable, lightweight choice for creating realistic planet models. They can be painted to match any celestial body, making them ideal for room décor or science‑fair displays. Once finished, the planets can be suspended from the ceiling using a clear fishing line, giving the illusion that they drift in space. Below is a concise, step‑by‑step guide that uses only everyday household items.
Take a paper clip and straighten one end so that you have a straight wire with a hook at the tip.
Press the straight wire into the Styrofoam ball. For a planet that hangs vertically, insert the clip through the top. If you want to mimic the planet’s axial tilt, research its inclination and offset the clip slightly from the center.
Tie a length of clear fishing line to the hooked end of the clip. At the other end, form a loop and secure it with a knot. This loop will be used to attach the planet to the ceiling.
Fasten the loop to a thumbtack or a screw‑in hook positioned where you want the planet to hang. Once attached, the planet will drift freely, giving a subtle, authentic space effect.
