Round the Moon · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Round the Moon by Jules Verne.

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Chapter 1
Preliminary Chapter
This chapter recaps the first part of the narrative, detailing the Gun Club's ambitious plan to send a projectile to the moon, the construction of the Columbiad, and the departure of travellers Barbicane, Nicholl, and Michel Ardan. It then describes the aftermath: atmospheric disturbance from the launch obscured the moon, delaying observation. J. T. Maston and J. Belfast at Long's Peak eventually reported sighting the projectile, but their telegram contained errors—the projectile had not reached the moon but had become a satellite. The chapter sets up the travellers' fate and the dramatic account to follow.
Chapter 2
From 10:20 p.m. to 10:47 p.m.
The three travelers—Michel Ardan, Impey Barbicane, and Captain Nicholl—enter the projectile and make final preparations for their launch to the Moon. They discuss the remaining minutes before the Columbiad is fired, adjust their positions to withstand the shock, and share a solemn moment before the countdown ends. The chapter concludes with the projectile being launched into space.
Chapter 3
The First Half-Hour
In the first half-hour of their journey, the three travelers encounter a near-collision with an asteroid, which Barbicane identifies as a second, little-known satellite of Earth. They observe the moon with unprecedented clarity and look back at Earth, now a slender crescent. Barbicane suddenly wakes his companions to reveal why they did not hear the Columbiad's detonation: their projectile was traveling faster than sound.
Chapter 4
III: Taking Possession
The three travelers settle into life aboard the projectile, enjoying a meal and discussing their unique status as the sole inhabitants of this microcosm. They care for their dogs, Diana and Satellite, after the shock of launch, and conduct an inspection of their instruments and supplies. The chapter highlights their growing confidence and the wonder of observing Earth and the Moon from space.
Chapter 5
A Little Algebra
Barbicane explains the algebraic formula used to calculate the projectile's initial velocity for the lunar journey, with Nicholl's assistance and Michel Ardan's humorous bewilderment. The chapter also describes the travelers' peaceful sleep and their awakening to a cock crowing, which Michel Ardan claims as a Gallic joke.

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Preliminary Chapter

From 10:20 p.m. to 10:47 p.m.

The First Half-Hour

III: Taking Possession

A Little Algebra