Mapping and Naming the Moon (Paperback)

Ewen A. Whitaker

ISBN 10: 0521544149 / ISBN 13: 9780521544146

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2003

About this Item

Paperback. Almost 30 years after the Apollo missions, 'Tranquillity Base', 'Hadley Rille', or 'Taurus-Littrow' are names still resonant with the enormous achievements represented by the lunar landings. But how did these places get their names? Who named Copernicus Crater? Where did all those names on lunar maps come from, and what stimulated their selection? Ewen Whitaker traces the origins and evolution of the present-day systems for naming lunar features, such as craters, mountains, valleys and dark spots. The connections between the prehistoric and historic names, and today's gazetteer are clearly described. Beautiful lunar maps spanning four centuries of progress wonderfully illustrate the unfolding of our ability to map the Moon. Rare, early, photographs add to the sense of history. Comprehensive appendices and the bibliography make this delightful book a work of lasting reference and scholarship. With its historical maps and rare early photographs, this is for everyone interested in the Moon. Observers will appreciate this account of mapping and nomenclature. Appendices and bibliography provide a launch pad for those who wish to learn more. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780521544146

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Mapping and Naming the Moon (Paperback)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521544149
• ISBN 13: 9780521544146
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Almost thirty years after the Apollo missions, "Tranquillity Base", "Hadley Rille", or "Taurus-Littrow" are names still resonant with the enormous achievements represented by the lunar landings. But how did these places get their names? Who named Copernicus crater? Where did all those names on lunar maps come from, and what stimulated their selection? Ewen Whitaker traces the origins and evolution of the present-day systems for naming lunar features such as craters, mountains, valleys and dark spots. The connections between the prehistoric and historic names, and today's gazetteer are clearly described. Beautiful lunar maps spanning four centuries of progress wonderfully illustrate the unfolding of our ability to map the Moon. Rare, early photographs add to the sense of history. Comprehensive appendices and the bibliography make this delightful book a work of lasting reference and scholarship.

Book Description

With its wonderful historical maps and rare early photographs, this book is a treat for everyone interested in the Moon. Anyone who observes the Moon, perhaps through binoculars or a small telescope, will appreciate this unique account of lunar mapping and nomenclature. How did the craters get their names? Who made the first maps of the Moon, and how were they improved over time? Four centuries of progress are beautifully summarised. The excellent appendices and bibliography provide a launch pad for those who wish to learn more.