This unique memorial for the renowned astronomer and Ithaca Resident (and former Cornell Professor), the late Carl Sagan, is the world’s largest exhibition. Visitors will enjoy a fun and educational walk as they explore our solar system.
the Sagan Planet Walk is a 1:5 billion scale model of our solar system. The walk is approximately 3/4 mile, beginning in the Ithaca Commons and ending at the Sciencenter. Along the walk, you will encounter 11 large stone monuments. These monuments are stations that represent the Sun, all the planets, and other planetary bodies, such as an asteroid. The stations are continuously updated as new information is discovered about the cosmos.
This exhibit is part of the Sciencenter but is completely free. You can purchase a passport for $4, get a stamp at 7 stamping locations along the walk, and redeem your fully stamped passport for one free admission to the Sciencenter. Passports can be purchased at the Sciencenter, the Ithaca/Thompson County Convention and Visitor Bureau, the Cat’s Pajamas, and 15 Steps Gallery.
You can also download a passport, but it does not entitle you to free admission when it’s completed. An audio tour can be conducted on your phone and is narrated by none other than Bill Nye, the Science Guy.
Fun Fact: There is another station in the memorial at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center on the University of Hawaii’s Hilo campus representing Alpha Centauri. This addition to the memorial made it the largest exhibition in the world.
Getting to the Sagan Planet Walk
Address: 171 Ithaca Commons, Ithaca
Google Map Link
