# XVII: Tycho explained — Round the Moon

> Chapter companion for Round the Moon by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The projectile passes the South Pole and reenters sunlight, allowing the travelers to observe the southern lunar region in detail. They examine the circular mountains Newton, Moret, Blancanus, Clavius, and Tycho, discussing their immense size and volcanic origins. Barbicane identifies snow on the Doerfel and Leibnitz mountains, arguing it proves the existence of water and air on the moon. Michel Ardan imagines seeing ruins of a Selenite city, but his companions remain skeptical. The chapter emphasizes the moon's unique formation, independent of external forces, and its desolate, lifeless landscape.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Sublime and the Unknown

The vast, desolate lunar landscape and the immense craters like Tycho evoke awe and the sublime, highlighting the unknown nature of the moon.

### Scientific Exploration and Discovery

Barbicane's detailed observations of lunar mountains and identification of snow demonstrate the spirit of scientific inquiry and discovery.

## Character check-ins

### Impey Barbicane

Leads the observation of lunar mountains, identifies snow on the peaks, and explains the moon's independent formation.

### Michel Ardan

Enthusiastically imagines seeing ruins of a Selenite city and later envisions a tranquil city within Tycho's crater.

### Captain Nicholl

Asks about the width of Clavius and remarks on the Selenites' longing for sunlight.

## Key lines

> No action exterior to the moon has contributed to the production of her relief.

The moon's surface features were formed solely by internal forces, not by external influences.

_Barbicane cites Arago to argue for the moon's independent geological formation._

> It is snow.

Barbicane identifies the bright reflections on the mountains as frozen snow.

_This observation supports the presence of water and air on the moon._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/round_the_moon_se/chapters/xvii-tycho
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/round_the_moon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/round_the_moon_se/chapters