The Moon: considered as a planet, a world, and a satellite

The Moon: considered as a planet, a world, and a satellite.

The reason for this books appearance may be set forth in a few words. A long course of reflective scrutiny of the lunar surface with the aid of telescopes of considerable power, and a consequent familiarity with the wonderful details there presented, convinced us that there was yet something to be said about the moon, that existing works on Astronomy did not contain. Much valuable labour has been bestowed upon the topography of the moon, and this subject we do not pretend to advance. Enough has also been written for the benefit of those who desire an acquaintance with the intricate movements of the moon in space; and accordingly we pass this subject without notice. But very little has been written respecting the moons physiography, or the causative phenomena of the features, broad and detailed, that the surface of our satellite presents for study. Our observations had led us to some conclusions, respecting the cause of volcanic energy and the mode of its action as manifested in the characteristic craters and other eruptive phenomena that abound upon the moons surface. We have endeavoured to explain these phenomena by reference to a few natural laws, and to connect them with the general hypothesis of planet formation which is now widely accepted by cosmologists. The principal aim of our work is to lay these proffered explanations before the students viii and admirers of astronomy and science in general; and we trust that what we have deduced concerning the moon may be taken as referring to a certain extent to other planets. Some reflections upon the moon considered as a world, in reference to questions of habitability, and to the peculiar conditions which would attend a sojourn on the lunar surface, have appeared to us not inappropriate. These, though instructive, are rather curious than important. More worthy of respectful consideration are the few remarks we have offered upon the moon as a satellite and a benefactor to the inhabitants of this Earth. In reference to the Illustrations accompanying this work, more especially those which represent certain portions of the lunar surface as they are revealed by the aid of powerful telescopes, such as those which we employed in our scrutiny, it is proper that we should say a few words here on the means by which they have been produced. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 56305
Author: Carpenter, James
Release Date: Jan 4, 2018
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Contributor (Author): Nasmyth, James, 1808-1890