Introduction

In an exciting new venture, the solar system has come down to Earth, specifically along a 9-kilometer pathway around Victoria International Airport, thanks to the imagination of 17-year-old Evan Papps. An aspiring aerospace engineer from Glenlyon Norfolk School, Evan has made it possible for local residents to embark on a cosmic journey without leaving their hometown.

Pathway Details

The YYJ Solar System Pathway starts at the playground in Jubilee Park on Mills Road, North Saanich. It follows a carefully designed route that mirrors the layout of our solar system, with each step you take equating to a massive 500,000 kilometers in space. This means that as you walk, you can grasp the vastness of our celestial neighborhood while enjoying the accessible, paved trail that is also suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Interpretative Markers

Each celestial body of our solar system, including the sun and eight planets, are represented by interpretative markers that highlight their relative distances. Evan drew inspiration from a similar pathway in Iceland, aiming to create a unique experience that not only excites the imagination but also reinforces the significance of protecting our planet.

Support and Funding

Evan received financial support through a youth grant from the Invasive Species Council of B.C., which enabled him to bring this vision to life. He included ten educational markers scattered along the trail, offering fascinating insights into each planet while also incorporating artwork from local children. These signs include essential tips for environmental stewardship, emphasizing the message that our Earth is special and requires our care.

Evan's Vision

"One of the things I want to get across is that while there's a diversity of cool things in the solar system, Earth itself holds a unique place and it’s our responsibility to protect it," Evan explained passionately.

Community Response

Community leaders have applauded the initiative. Saanich-Gulf Islands MP Elizabeth May hailed it as a remarkable blend of education, sustainability, and civic pride. North Saanich Mayor Peter Jones echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the pathway's potential to foster environmental awareness within the community.

Evan Papps: A Young Innovator

Evan Papps is no ordinary teenager. He has already published research on exoplanets in a scientific journal from the University of Virginia's Department of Physics and Astronomy, showcasing his dedication to the field of aerospace. With multiple university offers in Canada and the U.S. for continued study in aerospace engineering, the future is bright for this young innovator.

Conclusion

As he observes the launch of the pathway, Evan hopes to inspire a new appreciation for our planet and its place in the vast universe. "Space is really big, and we're really small," he mused, "but that makes us even more special." The YYJ Solar System Pathway is not just a walk around the airport; it’s an invitation to explore the cosmos and cherish our singular, fragile home.