LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit Space Toy 42179

LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit (42179)

The LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit set is an educational and interactive model that provides a fascinating look at our solar system. Designed to teach concepts like orbital mechanics, seasons, and moon phases, it's a great blend of a challenging Technic build and a functional display piece.

Product Specifications

• Set Number: 42179

• Theme: LEGO Technic

• Piece Count: 526

• Recommended Age: 10+

• Dimensions: The finished model measures over 9 inches (24 cm) high, 12.5 inches (33 cm) long, and 7 inches (18 cm) wide.

• Release Date: March 1, 2024

• Key Features:

  • Interactive Mechanism: The model is a functional orrery. By turning a hand crank, you can make the Earth and Moon orbit the Sun.

  • Educational Concepts: The gearing is designed to simulate the correct orbital periods and axial tilt. The set also includes printed elements with the months of the year and the phases of the moon to enhance the learning experience.

  • Accurate Representation: The model shows how the Earth's rotation on its tilted axis causes the seasons and how the Moon's orbit around the Earth leads to the different moon phases.

Product Description

The LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit (42179) is a detailed and scientifically accurate model that appeals to both space enthusiasts and fans of engineering. The build itself is a rewarding experience, using a variety of Technic gears, axles, and beams to create the complex, working mechanism of an orrery. The set is praised for its clever engineering, which allows a single hand crank to drive the synchronized movements of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

The finished model is not just a static display piece but an interactive tool for learning. As you turn the crank, you can visually observe the celestial bodies moving in their orbits, making abstract concepts easy to understand. The set includes a circular base with printed month labels and a platform for the Earth and Moon with printed moon phases, which provide context to the movements. The model also represents the Earth's axial tilt, a key factor in the changing of the seasons.

This set is an excellent gift for curious minds and a unique way to combine a love for building with an interest in science and astronomy.

Useful Guide

• Building Instructions: The set comes with a paper instruction booklet, and you can also use the LEGO Builder app. The app provides a more immersive building experience with 3D digital instructions, allowing you to zoom in, rotate models, and track your progress.

• Understanding the Mechanics: Pay close attention to the gear ratios during the build. The precise placement of each gear is what allows the model to accurately simulate the orbits and rotations. This is a great opportunity to learn about mechanical engineering and planetary motion.

• Display: The completed model makes for a fantastic display piece for a desk or shelf. Its educational nature also makes it a great addition to a classroom or a science-themed collection.

• Care and Maintenance: The gears can be sensitive to dust and debris. To keep the model running smoothly, use a soft brush to gently clean between the gears and connections.

• Educational Use: This model is a wonderful teaching tool. Parents and teachers can use it to visually explain concepts like:

  • Earth's rotation on its axis (day and night)

  • Earth's orbit around the Sun (the year)

  • Moon's orbit around the Earth (the lunar cycle)

  • How the Earth's axial tilt causes the seasons