Mapping and Naming the Moon: A History of Lunar Cartography and Nomenclature (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780521544146)

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.

Author: Ewen A. Whitaker
ISBN-10: 0521544149
ISBN-13: 9780521544146
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Language: English
Published: 12/11/2003
Pages: 264
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.07lbs
Size: 9.74h x 7.44w x 0.64d