Round the Moon · Chapter
A Night of Three Hundred and Fifty-Four Hours and a Half explained
The projectile grazes the moon's North Pole and plunges into absolute darkness, entering the lunar night that lasts 354 hours.
What happens
The projectile grazes the moon's North Pole and plunges into absolute darkness, entering the lunar night that lasts 354 hours. The travelers, unable to see each other or the moon, must use their gas for light. Barbicane explains the causes and consequences of the long night, including the differences between the visible and invisible hemispheres of the moon. The crew struggles with the cold and the inability to observe the lunar surface, while Barbicane worries about the projectile's trajectory and the mysterious force preventing it from falling onto the moon.
Themes in this chapter
The Sublime and the Unknown
The chapter emphasizes the awe and mystery of the lunar night, the invisible hemisphere, and the travelers' isolation in absolute darkness, highlighting the sublime nature of the unknown.
Scientific Exploration and Discovery
Barbicane provides detailed scientific explanations of lunar phenomena, including the causes of the long night, libration, and the differences between the Moon's hemispheres, reflecting the spirit of exploration.
The Role of Chance and the Impossible
The projectile's deviation from its course due to an asteroid and the inexplicable force preventing it from falling onto the moon underscore the role of chance and the unexpected in their journey.
Characters to notice
- Michel Ardan
Exclaims dramatically about the moon disappearing, engages in a playful dispute with Nicholl about whether the sun or moon is to blame, and humorously imitates Barbicane's explanation to show he understands.
- Impey Barbicane
Calmly explains the lunar night phenomenon, the differences between the visible and invisible hemispheres, and the effects of libration. He is preoccupied with the mystery of why the projectile did not fall onto the moon despite its proximity.
- Captain Nicholl
Disputes with Michel about the cause of the darkness, provides scientific counterpoints, and notes the intense cold by consulting the thermometer.
Key passages
“The moon has melted, disappeared!”
Michel Ardan exclaims in astonishment as the moon suddenly vanishes from sight.
Captures the dramatic transition into darkness as the projectile enters the lunar shadow.
“It is neither the fault of the sun nor the moon. It is the projectile's fault for deviating from its course instead of rigorously following it.”
Barbicane explains that the darkness is due to the projectile's deviation, not the sun or moon.
Highlights the theme of chance and the consequences of the asteroid encounter.
“How was it that though the projectile had been so near the moon, within a distance of twenty-five miles, it had not fallen upon her?”
Barbicane is puzzled by the projectile's failure to fall onto the moon despite its close proximity.
Reflects the scientific mystery and Barbicane's analytical mind.