I like to think that the moon is there even if I am not looking at it. Albert Einstein
Man has long been fascinated with the moon, particularly the phases of the moon. The moon also has a mysterious side. Have you ever wondered what the far side of the moon actually looks like? Now you have a chance to own a live moon for closer observation. MOON is an interactive LED Lunar light that combines a topographically precise moon and perfectly synced lunar phases for a distinctive, ever-changing ambient light to sit on a desk or shelf. And, let’s not forget a chance to watch finally the sun rise over the far side of the moon.
The story of MOON
Designer Oscar Lhermitte’s had his own lunar obsessions. He began his MOON mission by spending countless hours studying NASA’s high-resolution moon photos at the Institute of Planetary Research.
After painstakingly converting the 2D images into 3D designs, he created a printable file of conception. Next, Lhermitte went to work to render a real-life mold of the moon, complete with NASA topographical details. So devoted to the precision of the design, he even took a job in a molding plant to learn the craft to perfection.
Thinking that the moon was nothing without the sun to illuminate its unique landscape, he brought in design engineers Peter Krige and Alex Du Preez of Kudu to work on the electronic side of things. First, they developed an LED ring that was the exact size of the globe to generate sunlight. Next, the Kudu team created a motion computer that would precisely control sun and moon positions, synced to real-time lunar phases. The result of this 3-man mission is MOON LED Lunar Light.
MOON Lunar Phases LED Light Features
Each MOON is roto-casted from hard polyurethane resin and individually numbered in the London studios. The globe is a precise 1/20 million replica, a topographically precise model that includes all the craters, elevations, and ridges of the moon.
The sun, represented by a ring of LED lights attached to the center pole, illuminates the accurate side of the moon to recreate the lunar phases as seen from Earth.
Made of solid steel with a black powder-coated finish, the base houses a computer with 64KB memory capacity. An algorithm that knows the different phases of the moon for the next 100 years controls the computer.
A battery inside the computer keeps pace with lunar phases, even if the machine is unplugged. Turn the MOON on a year later and the feedback system will know exactly where it should be!
How the MOON LED Lunar Light Operates
Manual Mode
The top switch on the base lets you rotate the sunlight manually. Use the screen printed graphics on the top of the base to set the lunar phase to Full Moon, First Quarter or whatever phase you want to observe.
Demo Mode
One push of the top button sets the Sun and Moon in precise motion, giving you a complete demonstration of the synodic lunar month in just 30 seconds.
Live Mode
Turn the bottom switch to the right and you’ll experience actual lunar phases in real-time, throughout the month. Even on a cloudy day you’ll be able to observe the globe exactly how it looks in the sky. A full rotation takes just over 29 days.
To get the most of the MOON topographically precise LED Light and observe a complete 360° rotation, you’ll need a desk or table surface area of 550 mm x 550 mm (21.6 inches).
Oscar Lhermitte’s dream for MOON is to create a larger form as an interactive exhibition in a museum. In the meantime, the smaller models are ideal for anyone who likes to study the faces of the moon.
Price and Timeline
The official MOON launch date was April 13, 2016. After a successful Kickstarter campaign that ended in May, the team plans on finalizing testing of electronics and prototyping through to September, when manufacturing and shipping will begin. The retail price will be about £700 (~$1000). It will be available at Apollo Box in January 2017. If you are interested in purchasing MOON, please register with us now by sending your name and email to blog@theapollobox.com to enjoy a special discount. To learn more about MOON, please check out oscarlhermitte.com/work/18.
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Related Products
If you’re looking for more lamps, we’ve rounded up a range of moon-related lamps that will not only illuminate your room, but also serve as an aesthetically pleasing home decor.
Levitating Moon Lamp
The moon floats above a wooden base. Is it magic? No, it’s magnetic levitation! 3D-printed to resemble the real moon, this gravity-defying lamp produces a soft light that keeps the atmosphere calm and serene. Whether you’re looking for a cool gift for moon lovers, or a unique way to bring the beauty of the night sky into your home, the lamp is the best choice.
Moon Phases Wall Lamp
Bring the moon herself into your home. Rotate the golden or black cover above the moon to reproduce every lunar phase and adjust brightness. You can also gift this iron lamp to anyone who adores the moon. It’ll brighten up and bring the beauty of the moon and night sky to their bedroom, living room, or hallway.
Planet/Moon Wall Lamp
Want a cooler way to recreate moon phases on earth? Try this ceramic wall lamp! With two smart modes, the USB-powered moon lamp can show a different lunar phase every few hours or days, so you can enjoy a cycle of phases in a day or month. A great gift for moon lovers, the lamp will let a little piece of cosmic beauty enter and light their rooms up.
Astronaut Lamp
Have you ever dreamed of being an astronaut and going to the moon? Powered by USB or AAA batteries, this LED light features a base that can light up, and an astronaut that has a 3D hologram effect when lit up. You can change its light color, and there’re seven light colors available. A perfect gift for space lovers, this out-of-this-world lamp will bring space into their rooms.
Rocket Lamp
Astronauts need a powerful rocket for their journey to the moon. Featuring a rocket-shaped lampshade, and an LED bulb in the center, this USB-powered wooden lamp will brighten up and bring the wonder of space to your bedroom or living room. It also makes an ideal gift for the space nerd in your life.
Sunrise Lamp and Desk Organizer
The moon would be nothing without the sun to illuminate its unique landscape. Featuring a Himalayan salt light in the shape of the rising sun, the wooden “horizon” can hold your iPhone, charge it wirelessly, and amplify its sounds. It can also hold your pen or pencil. An ideal gift for home decor enthusiasts, this versatile piece will bring a natural aesthetic to their space.
