From the Earth to the Moon, Chapter 2 summary
Chapter 2 of 51 · Part 1 · 9 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Impey Barbicane gathers the Gun Club in Baltimore and proposes using artillery to send a projectile to the Moon, giving its idle members a new purpose during peace. He reviews imaginary lunar journeys and an untested communication scheme, then declares that his calculations establish the speed needed for his experiment.
What happens
- Club members fill the meeting rooms, while townspeople crowd outside to hear news of Barbicane’s announcement.
- Barbicane says peace prevents military work and urges the club to find another use for its skills.
- He introduces the Moon as their goal and reviews imaginary journeys and a proposed system of geometric signals.
- He proposes firing a projectile to the Moon, prompting applause that prevents him from speaking for ten minutes.
- Barbicane states that his calculations require an initial speed of 12,000 yards per second and asks members to attempt the experiment.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The closing invitation turns his calculations into a proposal for collective action. His restrained language contrasts with the enormous scale of the goal.
Quick check
What initial projectile speed does Barbicane say can reach the Moon?
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