Mapping and Naming the Moon: A History of Lunar Cartography and Nomenclature
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Revised ed., 8/21/2008
EAN 9780521544146, ISBN10: 0521544149
Paperback, 264 pages, 24.6 x 18.9 x 1.5 cm
Language: English
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.
Preface
Introduction
Part I. First Era
From Prehistoric Images to Archetype Map
1. Pre-telescopic lunar observations
2. Early telescopic observations of the Moon
3. Van Langren (Langrenus) and the birth of selenography
4. Six more years of sporadic activity
Part II. Second Era
From Archetype to Maturity
5. 140 years of sporadic activity
6. A globe, tree rings, and a city
7. Lunar cartography comes of age
Part III. Third Era
From proliferation to standardisation
8. Lunar mapping in the Victorian period
9. Nomenclature gets international attention
Part IV. The Space Age Demands Changes
10. Setting up guidelines
11. Planets and satellites set the rules. Appendices 1 - 22.
' ... a welcome new book on the history of lunar mapping. Ewen Whitaker probably knows more about selenocartography and lunar nomenclature than anyone alive. This fascinating book will provide guidelines and lessons for mapping and nomenclature when we finally return to the Moon.' Charles A. Wood, Sky and Telescope