Veteran Israeli Scientists Build Interactive Solar System Model in Rishon Lezion Basement
In early January 2026, a group of veteran Israeli science educators and makers gathered in a basement workshop in central Rishon Lezion to develop a unique, interactive model of the solar system. The project is led by physicist and educator Moshe Rashpon (92) and maker Yedidya (Didi) Vardi (91), both renowned for their lifelong contributions to informal science education in Israel. Rashpon, a founder of youth science camps and the Weizmann Institute’s science garden, and Vardi, known as Israel’s "elder maker," combine decades of experience to create an innovative orrery that integrates mechanical movement with computer-enhanced layers of information.
The orrery, a mechanical model of the solar system, is designed to be dynamic and engaging, allowing visitors, especially children, to interact with it and explore astronomical phenomena beyond what physical models alone can show. The team includes electronics experts Yigal Lapid and Moti Mushitsky, alongside guest contributors such as industrial designer Hanan De-Lenga and former NASA scientist Oded Aharonson. Their collaboration focuses on balancing scientific accuracy with visual appeal and educational impact.
Key challenges addressed include scaling the vast distances and sizes of planets realistically within a manageable three-meter model, deciding whether to place planets on a single plane, and integrating computer simulations to demonstrate planetary motion and Kepler’s laws. The orrery will also serve as a functional Hanukkah menorah, adding cultural significance.
The project builds on Rashpon and Vardi’s decades of work making science accessible and exciting, including youth science camps, science museums, and educational exhibits. Their goal is to ignite curiosity and wonder in visitors, encouraging them to look up from screens and engage with the physical world. The team’s enthusiasm and combined experience, totaling around 400 years, promise a compelling new educational exhibit for the public.
The next steps involve completing the mechanical components, replicating the planetary carriages on eight tracks, and refining the computer interface. The model is intended for display in educational institutions and public science centers, continuing the founders’ legacy of hands-on science learning in Israel.
