Moon Phase Model and educational game

3D Moon Phase model 

This is a fully 3D printable model designed to learn and visualize in 3D space the position of the Earth, of the Moon, and the sunlight that create the various phases. This model is suitable for teaching and educational purposes or for school projects and discover the mechanisms behind the succession of day and night, the seasons in different parts of the Earth, and solar and lunar eclipses. 

Features:

• Model scale 1 : 127,420,000 (Moon at the same scale as Earth for a faithful and realistic representation)
• Earth diameter: 10 cm (3.94 inches)
• Moon diameter: 2.73 cm (1.07 inches)
• Allows you to understand the cause of lunar phases and recognize how the phases appear from Earth.
• Match the shape of a phase with its correct name and the correct position of the moon relative to the light source
• The model allows you to simulate and understand the phases of the moon as seen in the northern and southern hemispheres
• Allows you to simulate the phenomenon of solar and lunar eclipses using a torch
• Tool for educational activities for beginners and astronomy enthusiasts
• Model is suitable for printing with and without the AMS system.
• The model includes a customizable blank label where you can add the text you want, in the language you want, and with the font you prefer, using Bamboo Studio text tool.
• With the addition of the globe model, you can also simulate the cycle of the seasons, the alternation of day and night, and solar and lunar eclipse

Components of the Model

• 1 x Circular base plate (25 cm diameter, ~9.84 inches)
  • Holds the structure together and includes slots and holes for placing the Moon models, the phase labels and the Mini Globe World map
  • Provides dedicated spaces for two types of labels:
    • Phase name label.
    • Phase image label (Moon's phase as seen from Earth).
• 8 x 3D printable skewers / rods
  • Used to insert and position the 8 Moon models around the Earth.
• 8 x Moon Models
  • Printable as one solid piece monochrome (white, gray, … a colour similar to the surface of the moon)
  • or in two halves:
    • One half black (to enhance non-illuminated portion).
    • One half white (to enhance illuminated portion).
    • And then to glue together
  • Scaled in proportion to the Earth model (Moon diameter relative to Earth diameter).
• 8 x Text Labels with Raised Writing
  • Each shows the name of a lunar phase in relief
  • The model includes a customizable blank label where you can add the text you want, in the language you want, and with the font you prefer, using Bamboo Studio.
  • The labels are located in the 3Mf file of the print profile and the text can still be edited and customised in the slicer Bambustudio. 
  • A generic blank label with no text as stl file is included as an stl file.
• 8 x Phase Illustration Labels in relief
  • Show how each phase looks from Earth:
    • Waxing crescent
    • Waning crescent
    • First quarter
    • Last quarter
    • New moon
    • Full moon
    • Waxing gibbous
    • Waning gibbous
• Earth Globe: The globe that is perfectly compatible with the model is not included in this model but can be downloaded from a separate page, as the globe model has already been published previously on Makerworld. More details about Worldmap and globe in the sections below.

Model data and dimensions

The model is at a scale of 1 : 127,420,000 to actual size.

The globe to use is a sphere with a diameter of 10 cm and the stand is inclined at 23.45°, reflecting the Earth's rotational axis. The base is a circle 10 cm in diameter and the model is a total of 17.5 cm high.

To reflect the Earth-Moon distance, the moon should be placed 301.64 cm (118.74 inches) away.

• Real data used:
  • Earth diameter: 12,742 km (7,918 miles)
  • Moon diameter: 3,474 km (2,158 miles)

  • Earth-Moon distance: 384,400 km (238,855 miles)

     

• Scaled data 1:127,420,000
  • Earth diameter: 10 cm (3.94 inches)
  • Moon diameter: 2.73 cm (1.07 inches)
  • Earth-Moon distance: 301.64 cm (118.74 inches)

Difference between hemispheres and label orientation

The model can be used in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Since the Moon’s phases appear mirrored when viewed from opposite hemispheres, the labels (with text or with the phase illustration) can be placed as preferred. They may be oriented either toward an observer imagined at the center of the model (standing on Earth) or toward an external viewer looking at the system of Earth and Moon from the outside.

In the images, the labels have been positioned to be visible and as they would appear to an observer standing on the earth globe in the northern hemisphere. None of the labels are fixed and they can be rotated, removed and moved. 

If you prefer to have a fixed configuration, feel free to paste them in place.

Earth Globe variants and where download

The globe with the Earth is a model that I created and published previously. This model for learning the phases of the moon was designed to be compatible and match this model. 

The globe is available in 2 versions:

• With all globe parts + stand + base + moon with globe with meridians and parallels in relief: https://makerworld.com/en/models/768555-mini-globe-world-map-with-base-and-moon
• The Globe part with relief topography due to globe with exagerated topography remix reasons: on printables searching “Globe spheres with relief topography compatible for “Mini Globe world map with base and Moon””

The Earth Globe is not included with this model as I already published previously and available and downloadable here on Makerworld, more info and details here:

⬇️https://makerworld.com/en/models/768555-mini-globe-world-map-with-base-and-moon#profileId-704033 

Educational Uses of the model

This model was created primarily as an educational and teaching tool, although it can also be used simply as an attractive decorative scientific model. Here are some practical uses:

• Demonstrating Phases of the Moon
  Learners can rotate the Moon models around the Earth to observe how sunlight creates the different phases.
• Northern and Southern Hemisphere Perspectives
  The model works equally well for both hemispheres, allowing comparison of how lunar phases appear mirrored depending on your location.
• Simulating Eclipses
  • Solar Eclipse: Align a Moon model between the Earth and the Sun’s direction.
  • Lunar Eclipse: Position the Earth between the Sun and the Moon.
• Naming and Matching Game
  Students can practice matching each Moon model with the correct name label and the corresponding image label.
• Hands-On Group Activity
  Perfect for classrooms or workshops where learners can collaborate to build the full Moon cycle around the Earth.

Genesis of the model

This model was created immediately after completing the mini globe world map model in 2024. Only now, after making some modifications and creating the description and images to illustrate the model, have I been able to publish it, even though I designed the parts back in 2024.

3D Printing tips

• Use the print profile I created with the recommended settings.
• If you want to print the model with a build plate smaller than 25x25 cm, slice the base plate and print it in 4 parts.
• This model is suitable for printing with or without the AMS system.

For the moons, cut the moon in half and print the two hemispheres separately.

For the skewers, cut them in half lengthwise and print the two halves with the smallest possible layer height, then glue them together. The many layers help to strengthen the piece. Alternatively, you can use ready-made wooden or plastic skewers with a diameter of 3 mm.

For embossed labels, print them in two colors, coloring the pieces, and print them with AMS. If you don't have AMS, insert a pause at the beginning of the embossed text to change the filament and resume printing.

Test and results: result showed in the images are printed with jade white, black, blue PLA BASIC filament with printer Bambulab P1S, 0.4 nozzle, Cool Plate / PLA Plate

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