LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit review 

In a market freshly saturated with space-themed sets, will LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit prove to be out of this world?

LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit had space enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation, promising a working model that not only accurately reflects the year-long orbit of the Earth around the Sun, but also tracks the Moon’s phases around the Earth. Essentially: the opportunity to journey through the cosmos without ever having to leave your living room.

However, as much as this set’s educational value is clear to see, its visual appeal falls short, hindering its potential as an attractive display piece as well as a learning tool. Instead of evoking wonder and fascination, the model’s lack of finesse or intricate detailing that typically characterises LEGO sets results in a rather uninspiring appearance. 

Will there be enough positives within the set’s build and overall functionality to redeem it, or will the subdued design ultimately fail to captivate the imagination or command attention?

— LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit set details —

Theme:  LEGO Technic Set name: 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit Release date: March 1, 2024

Price: £69.99 / $74.99 / €79.99 Pieces: 526 Minifigures: 0

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— Where to buy LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit —

LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit is available now at LEGO.com, in LEGO Stores and through selected third-party retailers.

— LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit build —

Inside the box are four numbered paper bags containing the 526 parts, which include new and exclusive moulds for both the Sun and Earth. Both cosmic objects are split into two halves, the Sun being plain yellow but the Earth featuring a high level of printed detail outlining the continents and oceans of our blue planet. The Moon is also included but is simply represented by a light grey ball joint.

Rather disappointingly, the manual contains no extra details about the Earth’s orbit or any facts about our solar system or Sun. As this set is clearly designed to be educational as well as fun, this feels like a real missed opportunity to include some fascinating details further inspiring younger (and older) builders.

The build begins by constructing the base on which the Sun will eventually sit, or on a grander scale, you start out by building the very centre of our entire solar system – just with less actual space and stars and more Technic gears. It comes together fairly straightforwardly but you’ll already begin to get a good sense of the clockwork mechanisms that will eventually go into operating this model.

As the build progresses it becomes evident that not only is this a great way to learn about the rotations of the Earth and Moon around the Sun, but it’s also a fantastic educational tool to help younger builders understand the physics and mechanics behind gear systems. It is clear to see the physics behind the principle of what happens when smaller gears are used to rotate larger ones. For any builders making their first steps into the world of engineering this set would make for a fantastic introduction.

While the build itself is not too complicated, it feels perfectly pitched at the intended age group of 10+. There are more than enough mechanics going on within the set to provide an enjoyable and achievable challenge for younger builders, while at the same time holding the attention of older, more experienced fans.

The model itself won’t take too long to construct but once built you’re left with a fairly scientific model of our Sun, the Earth and the Moon. It almost has a scaled-down planetarium feel to it, which actually looks slightly better in real life than it does on the box art. The model also ties into the rest of this year’s LEGO Space products – across multiple themes – thanks to its white, orange and black colour scheme.

However, once built, you are left with a feeling that this model is unfinished. The internal mechanics could have been hidden underneath a more conventional LEGO exterior; perhaps one mimicking outer space and the stars, or even just a night sky on Earth. As it stands, as much as this set is a fantastic working model of the Earth’s orbit, aesthetically it leaves an awful lot to be desired. It’s really not the most stylish build, and with all the exposed Technic elements, it just doesn’t look smart enough to warrant pride of place on a collector’s shelf. 

As a functional display piece this set really works. Operating the mechanics is incredibly satisfying and impressively accurate. The Earth actually rotates the same number of times as it does in real life. Watching the celestial bodies orbit the Sun (with stickers clearly indicating the various stages of the Moon and the yearly cycle) is at once both enjoyable and informative – even if it’s not the prettiest thing to look at.

— LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit price —

Had 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit had a more polished look, or a smarter design, then it may have warranted the high price tag that it currently commands. As it is however, it is very hard to say this set is worth it. 

As mentioned, the educational aspects of this set are absolutely top notch, and as a working demonstration of the Earth’s annual rotation it is very, very good. But that alone is not worth the full price. 

The build, as enjoyable as it is, is very straightforward and seasoned builders will finish this model within the hour. What you are then left with is a fairly ugly set that feels only partly finished. As an overall LEGO Space experience there are far cheaper and more rewarding sets out there. 

— LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit pictures —

— LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit pros and cons —

While it’s commendable that the LEGO Group has designed 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit as a valuable learning tool, offering insights into astronomy and space exploration, its shortcomings in terms of visual appeal cannot be overlooked – and despite its educational merits, the lacklustre design detracts from its potential as a decorative display piece. Adult collectors will probably be put off by its appearance, and once younger fans have spun the Earth round the Sun a few times, they will probably prefer to have a spaceship to play with. 

For a year in which the LEGO Group is really pushing the concept of space across a number of its themes, 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit struggles to stand out and make a lasting impression. 

This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.

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— Alternatives to LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit —

Space fans are absolutely spoiled for choice this year. The LEGO Group is releasing a number of space-themed models across a whole range of themes from LEGO Friends to LEGO Technic. 

Staying within the Technic theme, 42180 Mars Crew Exploration Rover offers a much deeper build while still helping to educate younger builders about space exploration. It’s obviously not as much of an educational tool as 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit, but it certainly looks a lot nicer and offers far greater longevity when it comes to actually playing with it. 

If you are after a beautiful display piece that centres around space, LEGO Ideas 21340 Tales of the Space Age could be the set you are looking for. 

— LEGO Technic 42179 Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit FAQs —