Toysmith Fun2Learn Fun 2 Learn Galaxy Kinetic Art Science Kit, Multi Color

Captivating when it works - sometimes for days, sometimes for minutes - despite the battery being replaced.

Mala calidad

I bought one of these back in December of 2013 to decorate my desk at work. At first I was initially disappointed with the plastic construction given how much it cost but I've enjoyed watching it and I'm surprised at how long it's lasted. I've kept it spinning almost continuously since I bought it, even at night. The string finally broke today so the one I had lasted about 4.5 years of torture. If there was a convenient on/off switch that I could turn it off at night, I'm sure it would have lasted much longer. With the one I received the only way to shut it off is to remove the batteries from the bottom of the device.I've been using rechargeable batteries with it and they would last quite a while, say a few months, before I would need to replace them but I never actually timed how long they would last. Alkaline batteries would probably last longer per charge, but then you need to toss them out and replace them each time.If you're planning to get one for your desk like I did and you've never had something like this before, be aware that it can be a constant distraction out of the corner of your eye until you get used to it and learn to ignore it.

I bought this for my husband because he is a high school teacher, and he wanted something of interest on his desk in his classroom. I had trouble finding exactly what I wanted for a good price, but I would say this ended up being a great buy! The stand is made of plastic, and some of the rings are plastic too, but it doesn't really matter because it is so interesting to watch. The batteries control the magnet so that it winds itself up one direction, spins gently, and then goes the other direction. It makes a little bit of a light scraping noise when it gets to the end of its cycle, but it's not really that big of a deal. It is fascinating and relaxing to watch the rings in their revolving orbit. We don't want him to take it to work because we are enjoying it so much at home! I highly recommend it; this is a great and intriguing piece for the price.

I owned one of these kinetic galaxies years ago and loved it, so when I saw it online I simply had to have one. As it happened, I ordered this twice.1st one arrived with the strings knotted up. I tried for 30 minutes to untangle the mess but could not do it so I returned it and ordered a replacement.The replacement was not tangled but the base motor would not function. My kinetic artpiece remained motionless. It simply sat there, new batteries not withstanding. And the main planet and centerpiece in the sculpture is not even centered properly so when the string twists the planet wobbles.While this was happening, my friend found a different kinetic galaxy from the same company but smaller with a different battery system. He brought it over to show me and it worked perfectly - which didn't help me at all.

This review is for the galaxy kinetic art kit. It's the one that has several rings suspended on a string with a center sphere.I am quite fond of this particular kinetic sculpture because the motion is seemingly perpetual even though it's actually powered by 2AA batteries in the base. The upper pyramid attached to the string has magnets inside that's kept in constant motion driven by the base unit once you set the sculpture in motion. The motion of this sculpture is very free-floating and momentum driven because the difference in ring size (different mass.) This makes it quite unique compared to the others types of kinetic sculptures they also sell. Once the spinning reaches a peak, the string will twist to a max and reverse motion then continue in the opposite direction. Very therapeutic to watch.I love this, and many might like it but I dislike the new color scheme. The blue is too monochromatic if that's the right word to describe. There once was a version of this that has multiple colors that were more differentiated. You can Google it but chances are you're no longer able to buy it. I tried on eBay and was sent a blue one despite ad showed original colors. The original multi colored rings also had metallic quality to it which reflects sun light on your walls if lighting is right.Here are some suggestions to the manufacturer:1. Make a version of this that doesn't run on batteries but solar powered. The base unit can be designed to have solar panels. This will make the sculpture spin indefinitely.2. Make a mini version. I WANT A MINI VERSION!!!3. Mutli-color, not different boring gradients of blue with silver. Or have both versions.4. Make one out of Plexi glass..or maybe it's acrylic...I forgot...but there's acrylic material that's neon colored where the edge reflects light in such a way that it looks like it's glowing. I recently saw this made use by Target for the base of a display and seen it in Container Store first time for a acrylic box with glowing edges.5. Make one where you can suspend it in mid-air. The base unit with solar panels at the top, and pyramid with magnets under, then the strings with all the rings attached. Have metal ball or weight at the bottom to keep string straight.I don't have more to add except I REALLY want a mini version solar version that I can hang or keep on a desktop..