By Joan Collins, Updated Mar 24, 2022
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Traditional solar‑system displays are often flat posters or simple mobiles. This hands‑on project transforms the model into a vibrant, rotating 3‑D sculpture that showcases the true orbital layout of our planetary neighborhood.
Paint eight Styrofoam spheres to match the eight planets recognized by the International Astronomical Union. Use reference images (see the Resources section) for accuracy. Since Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet, only Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune should be included. Decide whether you want uniform sizing or scale‑accurate spheres—smaller balls for the inner planets and larger ones for the gas giants.
Paint the 6‑inch Styrofoam ball yellow to represent the Sun.
Remove the electrical cord from an old lamp using scissors. Secure the lamp head to the lamp stand to create a stable base.
Paint the lamp body black or dark blue, and add star‑like highlights with white or yellow paint for a subtle celestial effect.
Open the lampshade with scissors, keeping the top ring and metal spokes intact. If a metal ring encircles the bottom, remove it as well. Wrap additional wire strands around the top ring so that you have eight wires hanging down, each varying in length to reflect orbital distances.
Attach each planet by threading a thin wire through the Styrofoam sphere’s center. Twist the wire end into a loop to secure the ball. Arrange the planets in their correct order from the Sun.
Drill a small hole in the Sun sphere that snugly fits the top of the lampshade. Glue the lampshade’s top onto the sphere, threads facing outward.
Place the top back onto the lamp stand, loosely attach it to the Sun, and give the assembly a spin. The planets will revolve around the Sun, creating a dynamic, educational display.
With sturdy wire, you can stretch the orbits to create an elliptical view for added realism.
