Solar system opens on the cycle track
Posted on 9 December 1999
Adam Hart-Davis, the cycling TV science presenter, will launch the 'Sun' at 11.30 am on the cycle track. The Sun, which is 8 feet in diameter, is suspended above the track and is the first of the stars and planets cyclists will see as they travel from York to Selby. Six miles away is the tiny Pluto (5.9 millimetres in diameter).
The nine planets, all built to scale, are encountered along the track, which is owned and maintained by Sustrans. Visitors to the opening on Saturday will see each planet declared open in turn by guests including Sir Donald Barron and Professor Ron Cooke, Vice-Chancellor of the University. "Cyclists in this solar system will be able to travel at ten times the speed of light and arrive at the end younger than when they started," said project co-ordinator Dr Peter Thompson.
The project is the brainchild of three University of York staff, who won Millennium awards for their idea. Peter Thompson, David Coulthard and Willie Hoedeman have all been made 'Millennium Scholars'. They have been helped by children from Knavesmire Primary School and Bishopthorpe Primary School, and representatives from both schools will be at the opening.
Notes to editors:
- Reporters and photographers are welcome to attend the 'opening' of the Sun at 11.30 am. It is located at the York end of the cycle track where it goes underneath the A64 (near York Sixth Form College)
- Visit the website