From the Earth to the Moon, Chapter 27 summary
Chapter 27 of 51 · Part 1 · 3 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 27, the Columbiad’s discharge knocks down spectators and disturbs the atmosphere, producing clouds that prevent observers from tracking the travelers toward the moon. Public anxiety grows as the expected arrival date passes without reliable observations, until a storm clears the sky on December 11 and makes the moon visible again.
What happens
- The Columbiad’s fiery discharge shakes Florida, knocks down every spectator, and seriously injures many people.
- The crowd cheers Ardan, Barbicane, and Nicholl, but cannot see the projectile and awaits reports from Long’s Peak.
- Clouds produced by the atmospheric disturbance spread as far as the Rocky Mountains and block observations.
- The expected arrival time passes, while European telescopes lack sufficient power to provide reliable observations.
- Brief clearings fail, public concern grows, and J. T. Maston nearly loses control.
- On December 11, a tropical storm drives away the clouds, revealing the moon that night.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The experiment itself creates the weather that prevents observers from checking its success. The line connects technical achievement with unwanted consequences.
Quick check
What finally clears the clouds on December 11?
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