# Cloudy Weather explained — From the Earth to the Moon

> Chapter companion for From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne.

## What happens

After the launch of the projectile from the Columbiad, a massive explosion shakes Florida and causes widespread destruction. The crowd cheers for Ardan, Barbicane, and Nicholl, but the projectile is not visible. The weather turns cloudy, preventing any observation of the projectile or the moon. J. T. Maston despairs and travels to Long's Peak to observe, but the clouds persist for days. A tempest finally clears the sky on December 11, allowing a glimpse of the moon.

## Themes in this chapter

### Public Enthusiasm and Media Hype

The public's intense impatience and the media's coverage of the cloudy weather highlight the widespread excitement and frustration surrounding the moon shot.

### Risk and Sacrifice for Knowledge

The launch causes widespread destruction and injury, yet the crowd cheers for the travelers, emphasizing the risks taken for exploration.

## Character check-ins

### J. T. Maston

In despair over the cloudy weather, Maston sets out for Long's Peak to observe the projectile himself, nearly going mad from the delay.

### Impey Barbicane

Barbicane is one of the travelers in the projectile, cheered by the crowd after the launch.

### Michel Ardan

Ardan is cheered by the crowd as one of the travelers in the projectile.

### Captain Nicholl

Nicholl is cheered by the crowd as one of the travelers in the projectile.

### Murchison

The engineer Murchison is mentioned in the context of the launch and its effects.

## Key lines

> Sic transit gloria mundi!

Thus passes the glory of the world.

_The Latin phrase is used to express the fleeting nature of fame and success, as the public's hopes are dashed by the cloudy weather._

> J. T. Maston, in despair, set out for Long’s Peak. He wished to make an observation himself.

J. T. Maston, desperate to see the projectile, traveled to Long's Peak to observe it personally.

_Maston's determination underscores his deep commitment to the project._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/from_the_earth_to_the_moon_se/chapters/cloudy-weather
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/from_the_earth_to_the_moon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/from_the_earth_to_the_moon_se/chapters