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Round the Moon | Jules Verne | |
THE NIGHT OF THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FOUR HOURS AND A HALF |
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"On the contrary," said Michel, imitating the tone and gestures of the president, "on the contrary, when the visible face of the moon is lit by the sun, it is because the moon is full, that is to say, opposite the sun with regard to the earth. The distance separating it from the radiant orb is then increased in round numbers to 400,000 miles, and the heat which she receives must be a little less." "Very well said!" exclaimed Barbicane. "Do you know, Michel, that, for an amateur, you are intelligent." "Yes," replied Michel coolly, "we are all so on the Boulevard des Italiens." Barbicane gravely grasped the hand of his amiable companion, and continued to enumerate the advantages reserved for the inhabitants of the visible face. Among others, he mentioned eclipses of the sun, which only take place on this side of the lunar disc; since, in order that they may take place, it is necessary for the moon to be in opposition. These eclipses, caused by the interposition of the earth between the moon and the sun, can last two hours; during which time, by reason of the rays refracted by its atmosphere, the terrestrial globe can appear as nothing but a black point upon the sun. "So," said Nicholl, "there is a hemisphere, that invisible hemisphere which is very ill supplied, very ill treated, by nature." "Never mind," replied Michel; "if we ever become Selenites, we will inhabit the visible face. I like the light." "Unless, by any chance," answered Nicholl, "the atmosphere should be condensed on the other side, as certain astronomers pretend." "That would be a consideration," said Michel. |
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Round the Moon Jules Verne |
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