Around the Moon - Wikipedia

The Nugget

  • Around the Moon, Jules Verne's 1869 sequel to From the Earth to the Moon, explores the thrilling adventures of three men journeying to the Moon, ultimately diverging from their original landing plan. They face challenges, discover their projectile's buoyancy after a catastrophic fall, and enjoy an unexpected successful return to Earth.

Make it stick

  • 🌌 The story follows three travelers who are launched into space via a giant Columbiad space gun.
  • 💨 The projectile unexpectedly enters lunar orbit instead of landing, leading to spectacular views and scientific observations.
  • 🚀 The travelers' ingenious use of rockets too late attempts to alter their course toward the Moon.
  • 🌊 Their return journey reveals the surprising buoyancy of their projectile, which ensures they float to the surface after a crash landing.

Key insights

The Journey Begins

  • After being fired from the Columbiad, the projectile encounters an asteroid that alters its gravitational course, causing it to orbit the Moon rather than land.
  • Adventures include a body disposal and experiences of intoxication, creating both tension and humor during the journey.

Exploration of the Moon

  • As they orbit the Moon, they make observations of its surface and discuss the likelihood of Moon life, concluding it to be barren.
  • The route takes them over famous lunar features like the Tycho crater, showcasing Verne's vivid imagination and attention to detail.

The Unexpected Return

  • Their attempt to land using rockets is thwarted, and they face a dramatic return to Earth at high speed.
  • A US Navy ship eventually performs a rescue after they initially miss the buoyant capsule, leading to a celebratory homecoming for the travelers.

Key quotes

  • "Having been fired out of the giant Columbiad space gun, the projectile begins the five-day trip to the Moon."
  • "The three men discuss the possibility of life on the Moon, and conclude that it is barren."
  • "They find themselves saved by the unexpected buoyancy of their hollow aluminum projectile."
  • "The projectile enters lunar orbit, rather than landing on the Moon as originally planned."
  • "They are treated to lavish homecoming celebrations as the first people to leave Earth."
This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.