This year at Maker Faire Bay Area, you’ll have a chance to experience a unique view of the heavenly bodies. Stand as celestial being, a giant observing the solar system, feeling the heat from the flaming star on your face while the planets spin and twist around you.
Celestial Mechanica, a 40 foot wide, 16 foot tall mechanical solar system gives this experience. The original concept is something that Jessika Welz has been envisioning for a long time. As you can see in the video below from the SF Chronicle, she seems quite pleased with the team’s work in bringing her vision to life!
This beautiful piece of art isn’t just for looks. The custom-designed, gear-driven system replicates the actual orbits of the planets in relation to one another, making this a fully functional orrery.
ADVERTISEMENT
