MagicHolz is pleased to present the Mechanical Tellurium, which represents our little corner of the universe in the form of a precise wooden model. A tellurium (sometimes called a loxocosm) is an ingenious mechanism that illustrates the cosmic dance of the sun, earth and moon. Through the movements of this 3D puzzle, you can see and understand why it becomes day and night, what causes the phases of the moon and why the seasons change.

Where is my place in the universe? Where am I moving to?

We can't help you with the metaphysical aspect of these questions, but this wooden puzzle will make it easier for you to understand your travels as a passenger on planet Earth and the links and connections with some of your closest celestial neighbours. We all experience the regular cycles of day and night, the phases of the moon, the changing of the seasons and the passing of the years. But who among us really understands these phenomena? Who can explain what is behind the clocks and calendars that govern our lives? Any child can tell you how old they are, but if you ask them how many times they have circled around the sun, you will be met with astonished looks or amused replies: One hundred and twenty-seven times? Ten thousand? Once? Never?

Assemble the exciting Tellurium kit and enjoy showing it to your family and friends. They will all be able to better understand the firmament, the seasons and even the concept of time with this wooden model. Turn the crank to set the precisely calibrated gear system in motion. One turn of the crank = one turn of the earth on its axis = one day. 

If you observe the movements of the tellurium model, you will see that during the full moon the moon is behind the earth, on the side facing away from the sun. Then the Sun illuminates the entire side of the Moon visible to us (the "bright side" of the Moon). On the other hand, when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, the Sun's rays illuminate the part of the Moon facing away from us (the "dark side" of the Moon). This phase is called the "new moon", the period during which the moon is not visible to us in the night sky. During the intervals between these two phases, the moon waxes and wanes, changing its visible shape depending on the portion of its illuminated surface that we can see from Earth. The phases of the moon are only one of the many astronomical findings that are not easy to understand, but which can be easily depicted with the Tellurium 3D puzzle.

The Mechanical Tellurium consists of 249 parts, belongs to the "medium" difficulty model kits and the estimated time of assembly is 5 hours. 

The product features at a glance

• Natural materials - all 3D kits are made from sustainably grown wood
• No adhesive required
• Mechanical functions - all models generate movements
• Easy assembly - all components are already laser-cut and ready to assemble

Model size in cm: 40x34x31
Number of parts : 249
Drive: Manual hand drive
Difficulty level: Medium
Assembly time: 5-9 h
Age recommendation : 12+
Material: Environmentally friendly plywood

The wooden panels have a reasonable thickness and are tested according to strict quality specifications. However, it may happen that a part breaks. More than needed are supplied for critical parts. If they are not enough, you can always contact us and we will take care of spare parts for you for free.