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

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

by EwenA.Whitaker (Author)

  • Used

    Hardcover 1999

    $9.42
Synopsis

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.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
 Pages: 262
 Edition: illustrated edition
 Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 27 May 1999
ISBN 10: 0521622484
ISBN 13: 9780521622486
Book Overview: Historical maps and rare photographs illustrate four centuries of mapping the Moon.

Media Reviews
' ... 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
...a well-illustrated and substantive reference of value to every astronomical library. Those invested in sky lore, astronomical history, and lunar depth will want a copy... Griffith Observer
...a welcome new book on the history of lunar mapping. Ewen Whitaker probably knows more about selenocartography and lunar nomenclature than anyone alive. Sky & Telescope
The most compelling facet of Whitaker's study are the 112 reproductions of drawings and photographs of the moon from the seventeenth century to the present, which, taken together, constitute a rich visual history of efforts to portray lunar features for the public and for scientists...Whitaker's study...provides a unique record of the development of our image of the moon's surface over a period of more than three centuries. Isis
...offers an exhaustive survey, accompanied with numerous illustrations, of such undertakings, and his labor of love is bound to make the volume the definitive treatment of the subject. American Scientist
It is the scope of the book and the unusual topic that carry and keep the reader's interest...a straightforward cartographic history on an uncommon subject. Its content and organization is excellent and typical of academic histories...a very interesting book. It offers a point of view on cartography that I think most readers of this magazine will not have previously encountered. Professional Surveyor
...extremely enjoyable and readable without oversimplifying...The appendices and references, along with the book itself, are a valuable resource for studies of lunar science and the history of science...I would recommend this excellent book to almost anyone. Meteoritics & Planetary Science