# III: Taking Possession explained — Round the Moon > Chapter companion for Round the Moon by Jules Verne. ## What happens The three travelers settle into life aboard the projectile, enjoying a meal and discussing their unique status as the sole inhabitants of this microcosm. They care for their dogs, Diana and Satellite, after the shock of launch, and conduct an inspection of their instruments and supplies. The chapter highlights their growing confidence and the wonder of observing Earth and the Moon from space. ## Themes in this chapter ### Scientific Exploration and Discovery The travelers inspect instruments like compasses, hypsometers, and sextants, preparing for lunar observation and scientific study. ### Human Audacity and Ingenuity The chapter showcases the travelers' resourcefulness in adapting to life in the projectile, from cooking to caring for animals in space. ### The Sublime and the Unknown The travelers marvel at the celestial spectacle—stars, the Milky Way, and the view of Earth and Moon—evoking awe and reflection. ### Imagination vs. Reality Michel Ardan's fanciful ideas (e.g., growing peas in 24 hours, the dogs as Selenite ancestors) contrast with Barbicane's practical approach. ## Character check-ins ### Impey Barbicane Leads the inspection of instruments and supplies, remains calm and methodical. ### Captain Nicholl Calculates trajectories and assists in the inspection; shows foresight about the heat of launch. ### Michel Ardan Acts as chief cook, cares for the dogs, and brings levity with his imaginative and talkative nature. ### Diana Found cowering after the launch; fed and comforted by Michel. ### J. T. Maston Mentioned as the one who might think the travelers were roasted by the heat of launch. ## Key lines > You are right, Barbicane; and besides, when we have reached the moon we shall have plenty of time during the long lunar nights to consider at leisure the globe that harbours men like us. Nicholl agrees with Barbicane that once on the Moon, they will have ample time during the long nights to study Earth. _Reflects the travelers' forward-looking perspective and scientific curiosity._ > We are inhabitants of a new world peopled by us alone—the projectile! I am a man like Barbicane, and Barbicane is a man like Nicholl. Beyond us and outside of us humanity ends, and we are the only population of this microcosm until the moment we become simple Selenites. Michel declares that they are the sole human population of the projectile, a self-contained world, until they land on the Moon and become Selenites. _Highlights the theme of isolation and the creation of a new society in space._ > The projectile supported a much higher temperature while it was travelling through the atmosphere. I should not even wonder if it looked to the eyes of the spectators like a fiery meteor. Barbicane notes that the projectile endured intense heat during atmospheric entry, likely appearing as a meteor to observers. _Explains the physical challenges of launch and the travelers' survival._ > I am really sorry we did not start when the earth was at her full—that is to say, when our globe was in opposition to the sun! Michel regrets not launching during a full Earth, which would have shown continents and seas more vividly. _Shows Michel's aesthetic and imaginative interest in the view from space._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/round_the_moon_se/chapters/iii-taking-possession - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/round_the_moon_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/round_the_moon_se/chapters