Matthew Shindell, a curator at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, emphasizes our enduring fascination with the moon. “In urban areas saturated with artificial light, the moon continues to shine brightly, serving as a consistent presence in our night skies regardless of where we are,” he states.
The recently released book Lunar: A History of the Moon in Myths, Maps, and Matter, edited by Shindell, features 19 authors who explore the complex relationship between humanity and the moon through a collection of essays, compelling images, and geological maps of its features.
Shindell explains that this narrative reflects how people’s perceptions of the universe have evolved, impacting beliefs about physics and our place within the cosmos.
Featuring nearly four dozen geological maps, Lunar enhances readers’ understanding of the moon’s nature. These maps, part of the Lunar Atlas developed by NASA and the United States Geological Survey between 1962 and 1974, are derived from telescope observations and samples collected by robotic missions and astronauts.
The moon is divided into 144 quadrangles; some were named as early as the 1600s when cartographers began documenting their observations through advanced telescopes.
These maps serve not only as scientific instruments but also as cultural artifacts. Features of the moon were often named after contemporary rulers, reflecting the societal context of their time. Early lunar observers referred to dark plains as “seas,” drawing parallels to Earth’s oceans and evoking imagery such as sailing the Sea of Serenity or exploring the Bay of Rainbows.
Advancements in telescopic technology ignited further curiosity about the moon. A significant example is the “Great Moon Hoax” of 1835, when sensationalist reports claimed the discovery of lunar life, accompanied by vivid illustrations of fantastical creatures. This period also marked the rise of science fiction narratives about lunar exploration, linking ancient worship of the moon to modern visions of space travel.
Shindell notes that as technology advanced, many scientists maintained a personal connection to lunar studies. While photography of the moon became possible in the 1840s through the use of telescopes and cameras, many cartographers still preferred direct observation as their primary mapping technique.
One showcased map details the Petavius quadrangle, named after the 17th-century theologian Denis Pétau, and features a prominent crater measuring nearly 200 kilometers in diameter.
Another quadrangle, named after the Roman emperor Theophilus, is characterized by several smaller craters, illustrating the moon’s geologic history shaped by asteroid impacts. According to Lunar, the moon reflects the “history of violence in our solar system,” contrasting with Earth, which is continuously reshaped by water and life.
Additionally, the Sea of Humors, a plain formed by ancient lava, is depicted in the maps, highlighting the moon’s diverse geological features.
During the historic 1969 Apollo mission, an astronaut captured a close-up of a shoeprint in lunar soil, showcasing an essential moment in space history. Over subsequent missions, astronauts returned over 380 kilograms of lunar material for analysis, with ongoing research focusing on moon dust and its potential applications for future moon-based construction and agriculture.
The Apollo missions also transformed our perspective of Earth, illustrated by the iconic photograph of Earth rising above the moon, reminding us of our deep connection to the lunar body.
A new era of exploration is on the horizon, with nearly a dozen spacecraft missions planned for the moon in 2025 alone.
Shindell asserts that as more humans set foot on the moon and continue to explore its surface, the cultural significance of our closest celestial neighbor will only grow. “The moon will become increasingly entwined with human existence,” he concludes.
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