Science North unveils solar system path along Ramsey Lake
Science North unveiled its Sudbury Solar System Path on Tuesday, a scale model of the solar system along Ramsey Lake.
In a news release, the science centre said it was fitting to hold the ground-breaking ceremony on the summer solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day.
The outdoor installation is a joint effort with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Sudbury Centre, Science North and Indigenous advisors.
Expected to open by early summer, the path runs along the shore of Ramsey Lake, or Bitimagamasing in Anishinaabemowin, and features western and traditional Anishinaabe knowledge.
“This unique experience will be a welcome addition to our beautiful Ramsey Lake waterfront," Mayor Brian Bigger said in a news release.
“This initiative is borne of incredible community partnerships, and I would like to thank RASC, Science North and the Indigenous advisors who provided invaluable guidance to bring it to fruition.”
The concept for the Path was brought forward by Norman Hey, of the Sudbury RASC, who has been an amateur astronomer since 1971.
“The Sudbury astronomy community wanted to do something that would help people understand the true scale of our Earth and its solar system neighbours,” said Hey said in the release.
“We brought our ideas to Science North, and it was obvious from the start that we had found a partner who could help us bring this kind of project to life ... We hope it brings a better appreciation of the true vastness of space and our fragile place in it.”
Will Morin, a local Ojibwe educator, storyteller, and artist provided Indigenous knowledge and artwork. Dominic Beaudry, a member of the Science North northeast Indigenous advisory committee, and Anishinaabe educator from Sudbury and Manitoulin region, "provided invaluable guidance with the content and translations," the release said.
“I am so excited to be part of the Giizhigoong Etegin Miikaanah project," Beaudry said.
"This will be an engaging learning opportunity for students and all community members to learn about our solar system while enjoying their walk along beautiful Ramsey Lake (Bitimagamasing)."
Starting at Science North, the Path will follow the shore of Ramsey Lake (Bitimagamasing) to the end of McNaughton Terrace. At this 2 km scale, the starting point will be the Sun as a 60 cm reflective gold ball on the lakeshore beside Science North. Following the Path, each of the eight planets will be represented by a sign with a scaled graphic and information about the planet.
The four signs for the rocky planets will be set along the shore and on the boardwalk beside Science North. The four signs for the gas and ice giants will be on the Jim Gordon Boardwalk.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.