Elmhurst Residents Can Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before

If you happen to see signs are around town with photos of planets and their astronomical data, it's because Elmhurst is now home to a scale model of the solar system. 

Emerson School, 400 N. West Ave., is home base for the model, with an 18-inch diameter sun located in the school's outdoor classroom. The dwarf planet Eris, the farthest planet, is located across town at Edison School, at 246 S. Fair. Each planet has a corresponding sign with a picture, its actual comparative size (to scale), scientific facts, the origin of the planet’s name and a map showing where each planet is placed in Elmhurst. 

The planets are at Emerson, Edison and Hawthorne elementary schools, York High School, Berens and Plunkett parks, and Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.

Credit goes to Emerson parent Jon Caforio, who suggested the idea, conducted the research, made contact with the project partners and directed creation of the 14 signs and accompanying location key. Emerson first-grade teacher Caryl Witt and her husband, Steve, the Caforio family and District 205 maintenance staff helped with the placement of the signs. 

Look for the signs around town. The location key posted on the Emerson website.