From the Earth to the Moon · Chapter
Answer from the Cambridge Observatory explained
President Barbicane convenes the Gun Club to consult the Cambridge Observatory on the astronomical feasibility of sending a projectile to the moon.
What happens
President Barbicane convenes the Gun Club to consult the Cambridge Observatory on the astronomical feasibility of sending a projectile to the moon. The observatory's director provides detailed answers to six key questions, confirming the theoretical possibility with a required initial velocity of 12,000 yards per second, calculating the optimal launch window for December 1st of the next year, and specifying the necessary latitude and aiming conditions. The response galvanizes the club to begin preparations.
Themes in this chapter
Scientific Progress and Innovation
The Cambridge Observatory's detailed calculations demonstrate the application of rigorous science to a bold engineering project, validating the theoretical possibility of lunar travel.
Human Ambition and Exploration
The Gun Club's immediate action to consult astronomers underscores their relentless drive to push the boundaries of human achievement and explore the cosmos.
Characters to notice
- Impey Barbicane
President of the Gun Club; initiates the consultation with the Cambridge Observatory and receives the scientific answers.
- J. T. Maston
Member of the Gun Club present at the boardroom meeting to debate the astronomical consultation.
- General Morgan
Member of the Gun Club present at the boardroom meeting to debate the astronomical consultation.
- Major Elphinstone
Member of the Gun Club present at the boardroom meeting to debate the astronomical consultation.
Key passages
“Yes, it is possible to send a projectile to the moon if it is given an initial velocity of 12,000 yards a second. Calculations prove that this speed is sufficient.”
The observatory confirms that a projectile can reach the moon if launched at 12,000 yards per second, as calculations show this speed is adequate.
Key scientific validation of the project's feasibility.
“The cannon must be placed in a country situated between 0° and 28° of north or south latitude. It must be aimed at the zenith of the place.”
The launch site must lie within 28 degrees of the equator, and the cannon must point straight upward to the zenith.
Critical geographic and aiming constraints for the experiment.
“It must be hurled on December 1st of next year, at 10hrs, 46mins, 40secs. It will meet the moon four days after its departure on December 4th, at midnight precisely, at the moment she arrives at her zenith.”
The launch must occur on December 1st at exactly 10:46:40 PM, with the projectile reaching the moon four days later on December 4th at midnight when the moon is at its zenith.
Precise timing for the optimal launch window.