; first quarter,
; full moon,
; last quarter,
.
Extreme distance from the earth, 259,600 miles; least, 221,000 miles; mean, 240,000 miles. Diameter, 2164.6 miles [2153, Lockyer]. Revolution about the earth, 29-1/2 days. Axial revolution, same time.
When the astronomer Herschel was observing the southern sky from the Cape of Good Hope, the most clever hoax was perpetrated that ever was palmed upon a credulous public. Some new and wonderful instruments were carefully described as having been used by that astronomer, whereby he was enabled to bring the moon so close that he could see thereon trees, houses, animals, and men-like human beings. He could even discern their movements, and gestures that indicated a peaceful race. The extent of the hoax will be perceived when it is stated that no telescope that we are now able to make reveals the moon more clearly than it would appear to the naked eye if it was one hundred or one hundred and fifty miles away. The distance at which a man can be seen by the unaided eye varies according to circumstances of position, background, light, and eye, but it is much inside of five miles.
Since, however, the moon is our nearest neighbor, a member of our own family in fact, it is a most interesting object of study.