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The Library
of Alexandria

From the Earth to the Moon, Part 2, Chapter 9 summary

Part 2, Chapter 9 of 51 · 8 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 9, Barbicane, Nicholl, and Michel Ardan prepare to soften a lunar landing, but their projectile approaches the moon sideways instead of falling directly toward it. Barbicane rejects faulty aim and excessive speed as explanations, then identifies a passing meteor’s attraction as the cause of their deviation.

What happens

  1. The travelers restore a movable disc on steel spring plugs because their remaining water cannot provide adequate cushioning.
  2. They install twenty rocket guns to slow their descent, although the projectile’s direction increasingly troubles Barbicane.
  3. Nicholl questions the gun’s aim and the journey’s timing, but Barbicane insists that an unexplained deviation causes their difficulty.
  4. As the projectile approaches the moon sideways, the travelers observe through side windows and hope for a stronger gravitational pull.
  5. Barbicane concludes that a passing meteor’s attraction alters their course enough to make them miss the moon.

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In this chapter

What to notice

Barbicane explains how the meteor can alter their path without touching them. This resolves his search for the cause of their deviation.

Quick check

What does Barbicane identify as the cause of the projectile’s deviation?

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