Distances between planets in our solar system and distances between stars are so large that they are almost impossible to grasp.

Astronomers use 1 Astronomical Unit, or 1 AU, to describe the average distance between Earth and the Sun. One AU is about 93 million miles. Using Astronomical Units makes it much easier to describe the enormous distances between planets.

In this walkable model, 1 AU equals 5 feet, so each 5 feet represents about 93 million miles. The distances to the various planets along the walk are then set accordingly.

Let’s get started. Move to the Sun, then press Sun on your phone.