The County 2020 | Aroostook County Tourism Regional Guide | Page 27

THE SOLAR SYSTEM & NIGHT SKY
GAZE SKYWARD
Let the darkness envelop you in wonder.
©Paul Cyr Photography
©Paul Cyr Photography
THE NIGHT SKY IN THE COUNTY is darker than much of
the rest of the USA, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
MAINE SOLAR SYSTEM MODEL
The County is home to the largest three-dimensional scale model of the solar
system in the world located along a 40-mile stretch of U.S. Route 1, between
the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the Houlton Information Center.
Built on a scale where one mile represents the 93 million miles from the Earth
to the sun, each replica is built to scale and spaced appropriately. Most of the
three-dimensional models are mounted outdoors on 10-foot poles, while the
Sun sits inside Folsom-Pullen Hall at UMPI. Two models of Pluto recognize its
reinstated status as a planet and its previous temporary status as a dwarf planet.
Stargazers visiting The County are rewarded with a crystal clear view of
the stars and constellations, many of the nearby planets, meteor showers, the
International Space Station, and other objects visible from Earth.
Those looking to explore further should visit the Francis Malcolm Science
Center in Easton. The northernmost planetarium theater in the U.S., the
center provides an immersive, full-dome experience in shows like ‘Solar Quest’
and ‘Flight Adventures.’
WHEN TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
The beauty of the Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, is almost
indescribable—shimmering waves of multi-color light in the night sky caused
by charged particles from the sun interacting with the gases in the Earth ’s
upper atmosphere, making them glow.
As one of the nation’s top dark-sky resources, Aroostook County is a terrific
place to view the lights, which occur two or three times a year, usually in the
winter. News outlets often report when the lights might be active. Head away
from town, turn off your car lights, and raise your eyes to the sky.
Visit our website for more information about the Maine Solar System.
To learn more about the Northern Lights visit SpaceWeather.com.
VisitAroostook.com
25