Our Crowdfunding Groups
This donation page has closed since the project met their goal on October 1, 2021. However, if you are still interested in making a contribution please contact one of the project leaders listed below or you may mail a check to the address at the bottom of this message. All checks must include "Voyage Solar Model" in the memo line.
The University of Memphis
Department 238
PO Box 1000
Memphis, TN 39101-9840
We are fundraising for a Voyage Solar System Model to be permanently installed on our main campus and used as a focal point for STEM education and outreach, and also for providing all UM students with a new perspective of Earth and our solar system. It is similar to the version in front of the Air and Space Museum in Wash. D. C. and is a 1:10 billion scale model of our solar system. The Sun, represented by a grapefruit sized ball, and the planets and Pluto, are represented to scale in size and separation distance on a 2000 ft. walkway. The Voyage exhibition allows visitors the rare opportunity to experience Earth's place within our solar system from new perspectives that inspire wonder and awe. This amazement can not only spark interest in STEM education/careers, and regionally anchor STEM at UM, but also inspire students of all majors to express their new perspective of Earth through creative endeavors in their fields of study and develop more interest in the environment. Additionally, all donations made to this campaign will be matched up to $20,000 by a generous group of donors. This project is sponsored in part by the Campus Community Fund.
If you would like to learn more about the Voyage Solar System Model and see examples of other completed models located across the nation, please visit http://voyagesolarsystem.org/. If you would like to view updates on the UofM model, please click here.
Without stardust from previous stars, no solar system of planets can form. It starts with the tiniest of dust particles to seed the larger ones. Just like when you give $20 to this campaign.
Asteroids can be small by themselves, but when clumped together like they are in the asteroid belt, they tend to be a key part in the bigger picture that is our solar system. Just like your $50 donation.
Our Moon is a reliable partner for Earth, adding soft Moonlight to our dark nights, just like those who give $100 partner with us to light the way to bring the Voyage Solar System Model to the UofM campus and region.
A shooting star elicits oohs and ahhs when its light streaks across the sky, just like those that make a generous gift of at least $250.
The largest planet is reserved for some of our largest donors who are able to give a minimum of $500 to help bring the Voyage Solar System Model to the UofM campus and region.
Without the Sun, our solar system wouldn't exist. It's warm, welcoming, and consistent. Just like our generous donors who are able to give $1,000 or more.
Now beyond Pluto, Voyagers 1 and 2 carry the legacy of who we were in 1977 into interstellar space. Just like our generous donors who give $2500 or more launch the Voyage Solar System Model to carry the legacy of who we are now to future generations of students.
