The Orbiting Solar System kit allows you to create a a mechanical model of the solar system. Wind it up and watch the planets revolve around the sun.<\/p>\n
Made for Thames and Kosmos , assemble this complex machine, also known as an orrery<\/a>, using snap-together plastic parts to learn how the gears and wind-up mechanism work to spin the model. Detail each planet with colourful, realistic-looking printed planet graphics. Discover how a special type of gear called a planetary gear is used to simulate the mesmerising motion of the solar system. Learn about the order of the planets<\/a>, their relative sizes, their rates of revolution around the sun, their appearance, and other planetary facts. Bonus: There\u2019s a built-in expansion slot in case the mysterious Planet Nine is discovered! This kit includes full-colour step-by-step illustrated assembly<\/a> instructions.<\/p>\n + Build a colourful model of the solar system.<\/p>\n + Wind-up engine sets your planets in motion around the sun \u2013 no batteries required<\/p>\n + Learn about the planets\u2019 celestial orbits.<\/p>\n + Explore fundamental gear mechanics; planets travel at different speeds depending on the gear ratio.<\/p>\n