To Mars via The Moon Part 1

To Mars via The Moon.

by Mark Wicks.

PREFACE

In the course of my experience as an occasional lecturer during the past twelve years, I have been much impressed by the keen interest evinced, even by the most unlettered persons, when astronomical subjects are dealt with in plain untechnical language which they can really grasp and understand.

The pertinent questions which have been addressed to me privately by members of my audiences have clearly indicated that there is ample scope for writers in satisfying a widespread desire for fuller and clearer information upon such subjects. I have observed that particular interest is taken in the planet Mars and also in the moon, but ordinary persons usually find astronomical text-books too technical and too difficult to master; whilst, as regards Mars, the information they contain is generally meagre and sometimes not up-to-date.

Scientific readers are already provided for: and it occurred to me that it would be much more useful and appeal to a more numerous cla.s.s if, instead of writing a book on the usual lines, I wrote a narrative of events which might be supposed to occur in the course of an actual voyage to Mars; and describing what might be seen on the planet during a short visit.

This is the genesis of the story; and, in carrying out my programme, I have endeavoured to convey by means of natural incidents and conversations between the characters portrayed, the most recent and reliable scientific information respecting the moon and Mars; together with other astronomical information: stating it in an interesting form, and in concise, clear, and understandable language.

Every endeavour has been made to ensure that this scientific information shall be thoroughly accurate, so that in this respect the book may be referred to with as much confidence as any ordinary textbook.

Apart from my own studies and work, all these facts have been carefully verified by reference, as regards the moon, to the works of such well-known authorities as Neison, Elger, Proctor, Sir Robert Ball, &c., whilst, with respect to Mars, the works of Professor Lowell, Flammarion, Professor Langley, and other writers, as well as practical papers by other actual observers of the planet, have been studied.

The personal opinions expressed are entirely my own, and the technical writers above mentioned are in no way responsible for them. I do not, however, expect my readers to accept all my views, as they relate to matters in which there is ample room for differences of opinion.

The reader will, of course, understand that whilst the astronomical information is, in all cases, scientific fact according to our present knowledge, the story itself--as well as the attempt to describe the physical and social conditions on Mars--is purely imaginative. It is not, however, merely random imagining. In a narrative such as this some matters--as, for instance, the "air-ship," and the possibility of a voyage through s.p.a.ce--must be taken for granted; but the other ideas are mainly logical deductions from known facts and scientific data, or legitimate inferences.

Many years' careful study of the various theories which have been evolved has convinced me that the weight of evidence is in favour of Professor Lowell's conceptions, as being not only the most reasonable but the most scientific; and that they fit the observed facts with a completeness attaching to no other theory. These conceptions I have endeavoured to present fully and clearly; together with my own views as an entirely independent writer.

In dealing with the conditions on a distant and inaccessible world the farthest flight of imagination might fall short of the reality, but I have preferred to treat these matters somewhat restrainedly. Whilst no one can say positively that the intelligent inhabitants of Mars do not possess bodies resembling our own, it is very probable that they differ from us entirely; and may possess forms which would appear to us strange and weird. I have, however, thought it desirable to endow the Martians with bodies resembling ours, but glorified in form and features. The powers ascribed to the Martians are really only extensions of powers which some amongst us claim to possess, and they fall short of what more than one modern scientific writer has predicated as being within the possibilities of science at a not very distant future.

During the past few years I have been greatly indebted to Professor Lowell for his kindness and ready courtesy in furnishing me with information on obscure matters connected with Mars; and my thanks are also due to the Rev. Theodore E.R. Phillips, of Ashstead, who was good enough to read the ma.n.u.script of this book, and whose great observational experience enabled him to make valuable suggestions in regard to the scientific matters dealt with therein.

Truly "a labour of love," this little book--which Professor Lowell has most kindly permitted me to dedicate to him--is now submitted to the public, in the sincere hope that its perusal may serve not only to while away a leisure hour, but tend to nurture a love of the sublime science of astronomy, and at the same time provide some food for thought.

A few maps, plates, and charts have been added to give completeness to the work, and it is hoped that they will aid the reader in understanding the several matters dealt with.

M.W.

1910.

NOTES ON THE MAPS AND CHARTS

The maps included in this work have been photographed from a globe of Mars specially made for the purpose from various charts. In all the maps the south is at the top and the north at the bottom; and the series shows the general surface configuration all round the planet, together with the princ.i.p.al ca.n.a.l lines which have been observed; but many other ca.n.a.l lines exist, especially on the dark areas near the south pole.

These lines are usually straight and uniform in width throughout their whole length: indeed it is difficult to mark them upon a globe so that they shall appear as regular and uniform as they are actually seen on the planet.

The names on the maps are those now generally accepted and used by astronomers.

The "Greenwich" of Mars, _i.e._ the point on the Meridian from which astronomers reckon the Martian longitudes, is indicated by the apex of the small triangular light area just above the equator in Map I. It is marked on the map as "Fastigium Aryn," and is chosen as longitude "0,"

because from its general outline it cannot be mistaken by observers.

"Sirapion," the supposed landing-place of the travellers mentioned in the story, is shown on Map III., just above the central and lowest point of the dark area at the top of the map. This name will not be found upon any other map of Mars.

The chart showing the relative positions of the Earth and Mars during the years 1909-10 is reduced and modified from one prepared accurately to scale by the author for his own use in connection with the book. From it the reader will gain a clear idea of the shape of the two orbits and how they are placed with regard to each other.

It also shows the course supposed to be taken by the air-ship on its outward and homeward journeys, and the point reached when one of the travellers desired to turn back; together with the alternative routes which were then discussed.

This chart, and the other one showing the positions of the two planets at different oppositions of Mars, will enable the reader to understand how it is that Mars approaches so much nearer to the earth at some oppositions than it does at others. The positions of the oppositions from 1916 to 1922 are only approximations, as no exact data are yet available. The earth is closest to the orbit of Mars about the 27th of August each year, and if Mars comes into opposition about that date it is then only about thirty-five million miles away. If, however, the opposition occurs near the 22nd February, the earth is then at its greatest possible distance from the orbit of Mars, and that planet will then be over sixty million miles away: appearing very much smaller than when at its most favourable point of approach.

On the 18th of September, 1909, Mars was only slightly over thirty-six million miles from the earth, and it will be fifteen years before such a favourable situation again occurs.

The nearest point of approach does not necessarily occur on the actual date of the opposition. In 1907 Mars was in perigee, as it is termed, seven days after the opposition; while in 1909, perigee was before opposition.

The diagram showing the positions and movements of the planets during the period covered by the outward voyage of the _Areonal_ is sufficiently explained by the notes printed thereon. It may, however, be pointed out that though the orbits of the planets are all elliptical, especially those of Mercury and Mars, they are so nearly true circles that, when reduced to the scale of these diagrams, they practically become circles. The exaggerated ellipses so often found in astronomical books are very misleading. The orbits of Mercury and Mars have an appearance of ellipticity because the sun does not occupy the central point in the diagram.

The view of the moon is photographed from a large coloured drawing by the author, which occupied many months in preparation and execution. It shows all the princ.i.p.al formations seen through the telescope as the moon pa.s.ses through its various phases, but it must be understood that the formations can never all be seen at one view as shown in this picture. As the sun rises on any particular formation the details are gradually revealed by the long shadows cast by the more elevated portions when the sun is low down in the lunar sky. As the sun rises higher and higher the shadows grow shorter and shorter, and when the sun is vertically over the formation the shadows entirely disappear; all details are thus rendered invisible.

When the moon is full the sun is practically vertical over the whole lunar surface, so the only details then seen are those which are vaguely brought out by differences in tint.

The bright ray-streaks are only suggested in the picture, because, if shown complete, they would have the same effect as upon the moon, viz.

they would entirely obliterate all the formations over which they pa.s.sed.

The Key Map indicates the princ.i.p.al lunar formations, and includes the names of those mentioned in the book.

The last two plates in the book are from drawings made at the telescope (a 12-inch Calver reflector) by the Rev. T. E. R. Phillips. The opposition of 1909 was not favourable for the observation of Martian details from England; for although the planet was near to us, it was too low down in the sky; and many of the nights were either cloudy or misty.

CHAPTER I

WE START ON A VERY LONG VOYAGE

"Well, I suppose it is about time to get ready for starting?"

The speaker was a smart, well-set-up man about forty-three years of age, whose keen and alert expression, clear eyes and well-cut features were a true index to the intellectuality and integrity of his character; whilst his closely compressed lips and the deep vertical line down the centre of his forehead betokened a dogged perseverance in carrying into effect anything he might undertake.

John Yiewsley Claxton, for that was his name, was my very intimate friend of at least twenty-five years' standing; and during the greater portion of that time he had been my constant companion. We had pa.s.sed through many trials and troubles together, but a better friend and companion no man could have desired.

We were just finishing a last quiet smoke and chat in my snuggery at Norbury, near Croydon, preparatory to starting off on a very long journey for which all arrangements had been completed, and we had risen early that morning in order to have everything in readiness.

John took his pipe from his lips as he spoke, then, rising, stretched out his arms and braced himself up like one ready and eager for any emergency; the next minute he was smoking in his usual calm and thoughtful manner. I rose when he did, then giving a few final instructions to Mrs. Challen, my housekeeper, we bade her "good-bye" and stepped out on to the lawn, thence crossing over to a gate at the far end of the garden, we pa.s.sed into an extensive field and walked toward a large shed that stood near its centre.

It was a most beautiful evening near the beginning of August 1909, clear and calm. The sun had only just pa.s.sed below the horizon, the sky immediately above it being a rippled glory of gold, merging higher up into gold flecked with crimson, then into a placid sea of pale apple-green. Above this were fleecy clouds of delicate rose-pink, which reflected their splendours upon the higher parts of the surrounding hills, the latter standing out clear and sharp, and glowing with roseate hues, whilst their bases were seen dimly as through a thin veiling of purple mist.

Surely nothing could be better for the commencement of our long-planned trip. The moon would not rise until about a quarter-past nine, and darkness would have descended by the time we were ready to start. This was exactly what we required, because we did not wish either our preparations or our departure to be observed.

Just as we arrived within hail of the shed the door opened, and a rugged-featured man with sandy hair stepped out. This was Kenneth M'Allister, our engineer and general factotum in all mechanical matters--a typical specimen of a Scotch engineer. He had followed his profession in its different phases on tramp-steamers, on ocean liners, naval gunboats, and even on battle-ships, besides having served for several years in the workshops of a great firm of electrical engineers.