Tactile Solar System Models: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto

So much of astronomy is based on sight — data visualizations, planetarium projectors, cool NASA photos. But, those ways of understanding the Universe aren’t accessible to everyone, particularly those with low or no vision. How can we open the skies to disabled enthusiasts and astronomers? And how can we open a new way for everyone to experience the universe with their other senses. Tactile models, using real data, can be a new way to explore the universe with our sense of touch. These models are often 3D printed, as this keeps things relatively low cost and easy to produce.

The models here are available as .stl files for 3D printing, and when combined with existing models from researchers at Space Telescope Science Institute (see here), there now exists a nearly complete solar system for use in outreach events and instruction for blind/low vision audiences (or anyone who wants to experience these 3D planets!). These models are described further in a forthcoming publication, which will be linked here when available.