This ride took place as part of Manchester Science Festival!
Participants today joined artist Nick Sayers and astronomer Megan Argo for a three-mile cycle ride along the Loop, exploring our solar system at a scale of 1:1,000,000,000 (one to a billion). Installations representing the solar system had been set out on the Loop from Chorlton-cum-Hardy to Fallowfield; rides took place in the morning and afternoon, and “planet minders” showed off the respective planets at their measured-out sites. The riders were able to learn about and appreciate the very different sizes and environments of the Sun, eight planets and asteroid belt and become more familiar with our neighbourhood in space! Nick wrote afterwards, “A massive solar-system-sized thank-you to all who worked on the project. It went so much better than I ever anticipated. You’re all complete stars!” Permanent solar markers along the Loop have been suggested as a follow-up!
Cycle the solar system: (c) Nick Sayers 2015
Friends of the Fallowfield Loop 