Mapping and Naming the Moon: A History of Lunar Cartography and Nomenclature

Whitaker, Ewen A.

ISBN 10: 0521622484 / ISBN 13: 9780521622486

Published by Cambridge University Press, 1999

About this Item

4to (25.5 cm), XIX, 242 pp. Publisher's cloth, dust jacket (binding slightly rubbed at extremities). The definitive scholarly history of lunar cartography and nomenclature, written by one of the leading authorities on the subject. The book opens with the fundamental question that re-emerged during the Apollo programme--why lunar sites such as "Tranquility Base" were so named--and uses this as a point of entry into a complex history marked by scientific rivalry, institutional politics, and repeated disputes over priority and authority. Whitaker emphasises that lunar nomenclature has long been shaped not only by observational astronomy, but also by controversy, "intrigues, politics, and acrimony," particularly from the seventeenth century onward. The study is organised into four major chronological eras. The first covers the origins of lunar mapping from pre-telescopic conceptions through the work of Harriot and Galileo, Gassendi, Van Langren and the early development of systematic nomenclature, Hevelius's Selenographia, and Riccioli's influential naming system, much of which remains in use. The second era follows the gradual refinement of selenography through the work of figures such as Wren, Hooke, Huygens, Cassini, Mayer, Lambert, Schröter, Lohrmann, and Beer and Mädler. The third examines nineteenth-century mapping efforts, including photographic techniques and the drive toward international standardisation culminating in the work of the British Association and the International Astronomical Union. The fourth addresses the Space Age, including the establishment of modern nomenclature guidelines, the mapping of the lunar far side, and the eventual resolution of competing naming systems. Extensive appendices provide full nomenclature lists from major historical mapping systems, including those of Van Langren, Hevelius, Riccioli, Schröter, and Mädler, as well as IAU resolutions and the NASA Catalogue of Lunar Nomenclature. A comprehensive bibliography concludes the volume. An essential reference work for the history of astronomy, lunar cartography, and planetary nomenclature.

Seller Inventory # 009873

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Mapping and Naming the Moon: A History of Lunar Cartography and Nomenclature
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521622484
• ISBN 13: 9780521622486
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Science
  • Astronomy

About this title

Synopsis

Historical maps and rare photographs illustrate four centuries of mapping the Moon.

Review

' ... 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

'This is just the sort of book I love. It is unusual and there is nothing on my bookshelf quite like it. It is eminently readable and I can see myself referring to it time after time. I can imagine any astronomer, amateur or professional, who has an interest in the Moon, the history of astronomy, or astronomers in general, enjoying this book greatly.' Dr David W. Hughes, University of Sheffield

' ... very detailed, with excellent reproductions of the various maps ... Whitaker and his publishers are to be congratulated for a book that is certain to remain the standard.' Patrick Moore, The Times Higher Education Supplement

'Ewen Whitaker has been in the forefront of lunar cartography for many years, and is probably the world's leading authority on the subject of nomenclature. He is therefore uniquely qualified to write this book, and he has carried out his task well. The book is very detailed, with excellent reproductions of the various maps; the text has clearly taken many years of careful, painstaking research, and contains much information not to be found elsewhere. Whitaker and his publishers are to be congratulated upon producing a book that in this particular branch of scientific history, is certain to remain the standard.' Patrick Moore, Endeavour

'The book is well written and produced. The book is comprehensive and likely to become the definitive work.' Clive D, Labour and Industry

'Whitaker presents us with a scholarly, yet most readable, insight into both the history of the drawing and production of Moon maps and the vagaries of naming lunar features.' David W. Hughes, The Observatory