Explore the Cosmos!
With this 526-piece Technic Orrery

Build your own interactive model of the Earth, Moon, and Sun in orbit! Turn the crank and watch the celestial dance.

🏛 Technic
Set #42179

Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit

Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit is a fascinating educational model.

Before you buy

Who it's for
Ages 10+ · Intermediate build Perfect for science enthusiasts and families looking for an educational and engaging building experience.
Build
526 pieces · about 3 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price
$74.99 list price · 14.3¢ per piece
Availability
Current release · expected exit Dec 31, 2027
★★★★☆ 4.2 community rating from 101 ratings

Fans appreciate the set's educational value and the engaging building experience. Some reviewers mention it's a great way to teach kids about science. Criticisms focus on the simplicity of the build for experienced Technic fans.

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit is a fascinating educational model. This Technic set realistically demonstrates the Earth's axial tilt and the Moon's orbit, making it both a fun build and a great learning tool.

This set is perfect for science enthusiasts, educators, and families. The building experience is engaging and offers a hands-on way to understand complex concepts. It's also a great display piece for a classroom or home office.

Skip this if you're looking for complex Technic challenges. While educational, the build is relatively straightforward. Consider a more intricate Technic vehicle if you want a difficult build.

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Hi! I'm BlockTalk, your LEGO expert. Ask me anything about the Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit - building tips, investment potential, comparisons, or anything else!
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How accurately does the model represent the actual Earth-Moon relationship? What are the key Technic principles demonstrated in this set? How does this set compare to other educational LEGO models in terms of value? Where is the best place to display this set to maximize its visual impact?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI
🧩
526
Pieces
⏱
3h
Estimated Build Time
📊
Intermediate
Difficulty
📏
24cm × 33cm × 18cm
Dimensions
Build Highlights:
  • Demonstrates the Earth's axial tilt and the Moon's orbit
  • Uses Technic gears and axles to create a working model
  • Visually appealing display piece
  • Easy to understand instructions for builders of all ages

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI
↓ Price declining
C+
Investment Grade
⏳ Current release
This set has modest investment potential. Its educational theme and functionality give it some appeal beyond typical LEGO collectors. The price point is reasonable, but the piece count is relatively low. Appreciation will likely be slow and steady, driven by its uniqueness rather than high demand. Keep an eye on retirement announcements to maximize potential returns.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

This set is unique in its focus on Earth and Moon mechanics. While there aren't many direct competitors, similar educational sets like LEGO Boost or Mindstorms offer more advanced programming and robotics features. This set stands out for its simplicity and visual representation of astronomical concepts.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count
526
Parts cataloged in this inventory
100 unique parts, 526 pieces
Sticker Sheet for Set 42179-1 Sticker Sheet for...
Part #: 10105335 1× [No Color/Any Color]
Technic Gear 8 Tooth [Reinforced] Technic Gear 8 To...
Part #: 10928 4× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Axle Pin 3L with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and 1L Axle Technic Axle Pin ...
Part #: 11214 2× Red
Technic Beam 1 x 5 Thin with Axle Holes on Ends Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 11478 4× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Beam 1 x 5 Thin with Axle Holes on Ends Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 11478 4× Red
Technic Axle 5 with Stop Technic Axle 5 wi...
Part #: 15462 1× Reddish Brown
Technic Gear 20 Tooth Double Bevel with Axle Hole Type 1 [+ Opening] Technic Gear 20 T...
Part #: 18575 4× Black
Technic Axle Pin 3L with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and 2L Axle Technic Axle Pin ...
Part #: 18651 8× Black
Technic Pin Connector Round 1L [Beam] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 18654 2× Black
Plate Special 1 x 2 with Pin Hole Underneath Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 18677 8× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Turntable Large Type 3 Base Technic Turntable...
Part #: 18939 2× Light Bluish Gray
Bar 2L with Towball Bar 2L with Towball
Part #: 22484 4× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Pin Connector Hub with 1 Axle Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 22961 4× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 7 Thick with Alternating Holes Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 2391 1× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 7 Thick with Alternating Holes Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 2391 4× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Gear Rack 1/4 Circle 11 x 11, 35 Teeth Technic Gear Rack...
Part #: 24121 4× Black
Brick Curved 3 x 2 No Studs Brick Curved 3 x ...
Part #: 24309 4× White
Technic Axle 3 with Stop Technic Axle 3 wi...
Part #: 24316 3× Reddish Brown
Technic Beam 3 x 5 L-Shape Thick with Alternating Holes Technic Beam 3 x ...
Part #: 2477 3× Black
Plate Special 2 x 2 with 2 Pin Holes Plate Special 2 x...
Part #: 2817 6× Light Bluish Gray
Plate 2 x 4 Plate 2 x 4
Part #: 3020 3× White
Plate 2 x 3 Plate 2 x 3
Part #: 3021 2× White
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 3× White
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 2× White
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b 2× White
Technic Pin 3/4 Technic Pin 3/4
Part #: 32002 8× Tan
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #1 Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32013 3× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #3 - 157.5° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32016 2× Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #2 - 180° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32034 2× White
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #2 - 180° Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32034 1× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Axle 2 Notched Technic Axle 2 No...
Part #: 32062 11× Red
Technic Axle 5 Technic Axle 5
Part #: 32073 5× Yellow
Technic Axle 5 Technic Axle 5
Part #: 32073 1× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Bush 1/2 Smooth with Axle Hole Semi-Reduced Technic Bush 1/2 ...
Part #: 32123b 3× Yellow
Technic Beam 2 x 4 L-Shape Thick Technic Beam 2 x ...
Part #: 32140 2× Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular 3L with Centre Pin Hole Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 32184 5× White
Technic Gear 12 Tooth Double Bevel Technic Gear 12 T...
Part #: 32270 3× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 15 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32278 2× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Beam 1 x 5 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32316 2× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 5 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32316 4× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Ball Joint Technic Ball Joint
Part #: 32474 1× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Gear 36 Tooth Double Bevel Technic Gear 36 T...
Part #: 32498 3× Black
Technic Beam Round 15 x 15 Technic Beam Roun...
Part #: 3250 2× Reddish Orange
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32523 5× Blue
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32523 2× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 7 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32524 2× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Beam 1 x 7 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32524 4× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 7 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 32524 3× Red
Technic Beam 3 x 5 L-Shape Thick Technic Beam 3 x ...
Part #: 32526 8× Black
Brick Curved Inverted 2 x 2 x 2/3 Brick Curved Inve...
Part #: 32803 4× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Gear 20 Tooth Double Bevel with Clutch on Both Sides Technic Gear 20 T...
Part #: 35185 1× Blue
Technic Gear 24 Tooth [New Style with Single Axle Hole] Technic Gear 24 T...
Part #: 3648b 4× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Pin witho...
Part #: 3673 4× Yellow
Technic Axle 4 Technic Axle 4
Part #: 3705 9× Red
Technic Axle 8 Technic Axle 8
Part #: 3707 1× Black
Technic Axle 12 Technic Axle 12
Part #: 3708 2× Black
Technic Bush Technic Bush
Part #: 3713 11× Light Bluish Gray
Wheel 57 x 14 with 4 Spokes with 2 Holes and Black Integral Tire Wheel 57 x 14 wit...
Part #: 39367pat0002 4× Black
Technic Beam Frame 7 x 11 Technic Beam Fram...
Part #: 39794 1× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 9 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 40490 1× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Beam 1 x 9 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 40490 1× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 13 Thick Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 41239 6× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 2 Thin Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 41677 4× Black
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular 3L with 2 Pin Holes Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 42003 6× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular 3L with 2 Pin Holes Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 42003 2× Black
Technic Axle Connector with Axle Hole [Reinforced] Technic Axle Conn...
Part #: 42135 2× Black
Technic Pin 1/2 without Friction Ridges Technic Pin 1/2 w...
Part #: 4274 4× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges Lengthwise, 1 Center Slot Technic Pin Long ...
Part #: 42924 48× Blue
Technic Axle Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Axle Pin ...
Part #: 43093 10× Blue
Technic Panel Dome 5 x 5 with Pin Holes with Earth, Southern Hemisphere Print Technic Panel Dom...
Part #: 4412pr0001 1× Blue
Technic Panel Dome 5 x 5 with Pin Holes with Earth, Northern Hemisphere Print Technic Panel Dom...
Part #: 4412pr0002 1× Blue
Technic Panel Dome 11 x 11 with Pin Holes Technic Panel Dom...
Part #: 4413 2× Bright Light Orange
Technic Axle 7 Technic Axle 7
Part #: 44294 1× Yellow
Technic Axle 7 Technic Axle 7
Part #: 44294 1× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Pin Connector Hub with 2 Pins with Friction Ridges Lengthwise [Small Squared Pin Holes] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 44874 9× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle 3 Technic Axle 3
Part #: 4519 11× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle 3 Technic Axle 3
Part #: 4519 3× Yellow
Technic Pin Connector 3L with 2 Pins and Center Hole [Pin Ridges Across Part] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 46189 8× Black
Technic Tooth 1 x 3 with Axle Hole [Hollow Underside] Technic Tooth 1 x...
Part #: 48267 2× Pearl Gold
Technic Pin Connector Hub Perpendicular 3 x 3 Bent with 4 Pins (Pin Ridges Along Part) Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 49130 1× Light Bluish Gray
Train Wheel Small, hole notched for wheels holder pin Train Wheel Small...
Part #: 50254 4× Black
Technic Axle 5.5 with Stop [Rounded Short End] Technic Axle 5.5 ...
Part #: 59426 5× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Axle Connector Smooth [with x Hole + Orientation] Technic Axle Conn...
Part #: 59443 11× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 2 Thick with Pin Hole and Axle Hole Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 60483 4× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 2 Thick with Pin Hole and Axle Hole Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 60483 1× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Beam 3 x 3 T-Shape Thick Technic Beam 3 x ...
Part #: 60484 2× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise with No Center Slots Technic Pin with ...
Part #: 61332 62× Black
Technic Beam 3 x 0.5 Liftarm with Boss and Blocked, Squared Pin Hole Technic Beam 3 x ...
Part #: 61408 2× Black
Technic Universal Joint 3L [Complete Assembly] Technic Universal...
Part #: 61903 1× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Pin Connector Round [Slotted] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 62462 6× Pearl Gold
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Triple Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 63869 1× Light Bluish Gray
Bar 6L with Stop Ring Bar 6L with Stop ...
Part #: 63965 1× Black
Technic Beam Frame 5 x 7 with 3 x 5 Opening Thick Technic Beam Fram...
Part #: 64179 6× Black
Technic Axle Pin 3L without Friction Ridges and 2L Axle Technic Axle Pin ...
Part #: 65249 5× White
Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Stop Bush [2 Lateral Holes, Small Pin Hole] Technic Pin Long ...
Part #: 65304 26× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 6536 2× Blue
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 6536 3× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 6536 2× White
Technic Pin Connector Hub with 1 Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise [Centered Friction Ridge] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 65487 1× Blue
Technic Pin Connector Hub with 1 Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise [Centered Friction Ridge] Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 65487 2× Black
Technic Pin Connector Hub Perpendicular 3L with 4 Pins (Squared Holes) Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 65489 2× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Gear 12 Tooth Bevel Technic Gear 12 T...
Part #: 6589 4× Tan
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thin Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 6632 2× Black
Technic Beam 1 x 3 Thin Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 6632 2× Red
Technic Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Towball - Round Pin Hole Technic Pin with ...
Part #: 66906 4× Red
Technic Beam 1 x 15 Thick with Alternating Holes Technic Beam 1 x ...
Part #: 71710 4× Black
Technic Beam Round 11 x 11 Technic Beam Roun...
Part #: 77107 2× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Pin Long 3l with Stop and Hole Technic Pin Long ...
Part #: 77765 1× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle 4 with Stop Technic Axle 4 wi...
Part #: 87083 3× Dark Bluish Gray
Technic Pin Connector Toggle Joint Smooth Double with Axle and Pin Holes Technic Pin Conne...
Part #: 87408 1× Black
Technic Turntable Large Type 4 Top, 60 Tooth Technic Turntable...
Part #: 88738 2× Black
Technic Pin 1/2 with Friction Technic Pin 1/2 w...
Part #: 89678 3× Red
Brick Curved 4 x 2 No Studs Brick Curved 4 x ...
Part #: 93606 6× White
Technic Gear 16 Tooth Reinforced [New Style] Technic Gear 16 T...
Part #: 94925 2× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Axle 4 with Centre Stop Technic Axle 4 wi...
Part #: 99008 3× Tan
Technic Turntable Small Top Technic Turntable...
Part #: 99009 2× Light Bluish Gray
Technic Turntable Small Base, 28 Tooth Technic Turntable...
Part #: 99010 2× Black
The set includes a good assortment of Technic pins and axles in various lengths. The presence of blue and light bluish gray parts provides a decent range for MOC builders focused on Technic models.

🛒 Where to Buy

LEGO
✓ In Stock
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$74.99
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$74.99
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💎 Notable Parts

Blue Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges Lengthwise, 1 Center Slot (48x) $2.40
Light Bluish Gray Technic Pin Long with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Stop Bush [2 Lateral Holes, Small Pin Hole] (26x) $1.30
Black Technic Beam 1 x 13 Thick (6x) $0.90
Black Technic Axle Pin 3L with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and 2L Axle (8x) $0.80
Est. BrickLink Part Value
$5.40

💡 MOC Potential

🚀 Create a more detailed lunar lander model
🌳 Expand the Earth model to include continents and oceans
🚗 Build a simple motorized rover to explore the moon

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

Based on 4 videos
3.0 /5
Mixed
0% positive
BlockTalk AI

The LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit (42179) set receives neutral reviews from LEGO YouTubers, with a 3.0/5 overall rating. While reviewers like Tiago Catarino and RacingBrick provide detailed building reviews, there isn't a strong consensus of overwhelmingly positive or negative opinions regarding the set's design or functionality.

Community Sentiment

Based on 4 YouTube reviews

Reddit

Not enough Reddit data

YouTube

3.0 /5
Mixed
0% positive
0
Positive
4
Mixed
0
Critical
BlockTalk AI Analysis

The LEGO Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit (42179) set receives neutral reviews from LEGO YouTubers, with a 3.0/5 overall rating. While reviewers like Tiago Catarino and RacingBrick provide detailed building reviews, there isn't a strong consensus of overwhelmingly positive or negative opinions regarding the set's design or functionality.

What the Community Says

4 YouTube reviews
BlockTalk AI Summary

RacingBrick offers a detailed building review, while Alex Nunes focuses on the working model aspect of the Earth and Moon's orbit. Sariel's Bricks & Pets provides an in-depth review, suggesting a thorough examination of the set's features, but no strong opinions are voiced.

Community Content: These reviews are from Reddit and YouTube users sharing their personal experiences. Opinions may vary.

📖 Building Instructions 2

Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit Instructions
BI 3104, 140+4, 42179 V39
Download PDF
Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit Instructions
BI 3104, 140+4, 42179 V29
Download PDF

Charts Inventory Statistics

100
Unique Parts
526
Official Piece Count
526
Cataloged Inventory Pieces
0
Minifigures
11
Spare Parts
Inventory Version: 1

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