Otford Solar System

Otford Solar System

Otford, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 5PQ

The Otford Solar System is a scale model of the solar system constructed in and around the village of Otford in southeast England.

The model, formed of reflective domes on plinths with information plaques, accurately represents the positions of the planets at the turn of the millennium, 1st January 2000, all in relation to the Sun. The Sun and the nearby planets are all located in the village playing field with short walks to the next nearest planets.

Interestingly, the model not only extends to the distant planets Neptune, Uranus and Pluto (a couple of miles outside of the village!), it also includes four of the nearest stars, to scale and at approximately at the correct distance. Due to the vast distances involved the nearest star to the Sun, Proxima Centauri, is located in Los Angeles, Barnard’s Star in Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, Sirius in Sydney, Australia and Ross 154 in Christchurch, New Zealand!


Otford Solar System is a Go Stargazing Site. The location has been identified by the Go Stargazing team as a good location for stargazing based on local light pollution levels, distance from nearby towns and cities and offers a safe place to park.

Weather forecast

  • 28/03/24

    87%
  • 28/03/24

    53%
  • 29/03/24

    82%
  • 29/03/24

    17%

Weather forecast for Kemsing (2.7 miles away) updated 28/03/24 at 16:00.




Events nearby

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  • Walton Astronomy Group meeting and observing

    Thursday 2nd May 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    The Black Swan - Ockham, Cobham, KT11 1NG (27.1 miles away)

    More info
  • Observing on Blackheath Common with Flamsteed Astronomy Society

    Saturday 4th May 2024 from 21:00pm to 23:30pm

    Blackheath Common, London, SE3 0TX (13.3 miles away)

    More info
  • Castle Point Astronomy Club meeting

    Wednesday 8th May 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    St Michael and All Angels Church, Hadleigh, SS7 2UW (25.4 miles away)

    More info
  • Informal observing evening with Crayford Manor Astronomical Society

    Thursday 9th May 2024 from 19:45pm to 21:30pm

    The Parsonage Lane Pavilion and Observatory, Dartford, DA4 9HD (7.3 miles away)

    More info
  • Loughton Astronomical Society meeting & observing

    Thursday 9th May 2024 from 20:00pm to 22:00pm

    Theydon Bois Scout Hall, Epping, CM16 7EJ (24.8 miles away)

    More info

Stay and gaze nearby

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