To the Editor:

As a result of the continuing theft of com­ponents of the New Milford scale-model solar system, and especially the recent theft of Saturn, the staff of the John J. McCarthy Observatory decided to immediately remove the model of Jupiter from the campus of Hill and Plain School.

This drastic action is taken to preserve and protect the magnificent model. It is hoped that it can be re-placed in the near future when a foolproof anti-theft security system is also installed. In the meantime, a suitable replacement will be installed as soon as possible.

Scale-model solar sys­tems are marvelously edu­­cational, and touring one is a wonderful family activity. But they are difficult to make; to have the same scale for the diameter of the planets and their distances from the sun is challenging. That is why there are so few scale-model solar systems.

Today the Wikipedia Web site shows only 38 models exist around the world. Most of them are in major cities: Boston, Zagreb, The Hague, Helsinki, Zur­­ich, Hradec Kralove, Mel­bourne, Eugene, Mun­ich, Madison, Ithaca, Jodrell Bank, Cleveland, Boulder, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, Houston, Baltimore, Orlando, Des Moines, and Corpus Christi have models.

Of the 38 models listed, New Milford’s model solar system is the ninth largest, and we are convinced it is the most artistic, the classiest, and the most informative. It was installed in November 2009 as a part of the McCarthy Obser­vatory’s contribution to the International Year of Astronomy 2009.

The model was designed and installed by the staff of the McCarthy Obser­­vatory. It was funded by the splendid generosity of the people, families, and organizations—and, most notably, the New Milford Parent-Teacher Organization—from New Milford and surrounding towns. It belongs to the town of New Milford.

Since the model was installed, it has been exciting people and bringing families to New Milford. We have received praise and thanks from many people who have toured the model; many have come from distant states specifically to see it.

So the model is good for New Milford educationally, culturally and economically. We have handed out several thousand copies of our “Passport” touring guide pamphlets so far.

It is unfortunate that there are criminal elements in our area that will not leave this marvelous community asset alone. If they are capable of any understanding, they should know this: They will be stopped. Continued...

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The McCarthy Obser­vatory is committed to preserving the model solar system and continuing our mission of education.

Monty Robson,

Director

McCarthy Observatory

 

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To the Editor:

As a result of the continuing theft of com­ponents of the New Milford scale-model solar system, and especially the recent theft of Saturn, the staff of the John J. McCarthy Observatory decided to immediately remove the model of Jupiter from the campus of Hill and Plain School.

This drastic action is taken to preserve and protect the magnificent model. It is hoped that it can be re-placed in the near future when a foolproof anti-theft security system is also installed. In the meantime, a suitable replacement will be installed as soon as possible.

Scale-model solar sys­tems are marvelously edu­­cational, and touring one is a wonderful family activity. But they are difficult to make; to have the same scale for the diameter of the planets and their distances from the sun is challenging. That is why there are so few scale-model solar systems.

Today the Wikipedia Web site shows only 38 models exist around the world. Most of them are in major cities: Boston, Zagreb, The Hague, Helsinki, Zur­­ich, Hradec Kralove, Mel­bourne, Eugene, Mun­ich, Madison, Ithaca, Jodrell Bank, Cleveland, Boulder, Washington, D.C., Kansas City, Houston, Baltimore, Orlando, Des Moines, and Corpus Christi have models.

Of the 38 models listed, New Milford’s model solar system is the ninth largest, and we are convinced it is the most artistic, the classiest, and the most informative. It was installed in November 2009 as a part of the McCarthy Obser­vatory’s contribution to the International Year of Astronomy 2009.

The model was designed and installed by the staff of the McCarthy Obser­­vatory. It was funded by the splendid generosity of the people, families, and organizations—and, most notably, the New Milford Parent-Teacher Organization—from New Milford and surrounding towns. It belongs to the town of New Milford.

Since the model was installed, it has been exciting people and bringing families to New Milford. We have received praise and thanks from many people who have toured the model; many have come from distant states specifically to see it.

So the model is good for New Milford educationally, culturally and economically. We have handed out several thousand copies of our “Passport” touring guide pamphlets so far.

It is unfortunate that there are criminal elements in our area that will not leave this marvelous community asset alone. If they are capable of any understanding, they should know this: They will be stopped.

The McCarthy Obser­vatory is committed to preserving the model solar system and continuing our mission of education.

Monty Robson,

Director

McCarthy Observatory

 

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