“The sky would be black,” went on the latter, “and the sun brighter than we ever see it on the earth. Some shadows would also be absolutely black, because all light is cut off; others might be faintly illuminated by the reflection from some mountain wall.”
“And even the parts in sunlight would show a lot of differences,” said Joe. “I——”
“Go on, Redfern,” said Fred, hastily.
“Oh, Joe’s all right. There would be differences, of course. The varying character of the surfaces, some darker than others, would have an effect; and the angle they presented to the sun must still further increase or lessen their brilliancy. All told, however, these things would hardly be sufficient to do more than slightly modify the general effect.”
“What’s the name of that crater?” asked Jack, several minutes later; “I mean the one with those funny streaks shooting off all around.”
“Copernicus.”
“Well,” remarked Jack, “it certainly looks great. Keep away, Fred Winter; I haven’t finished yet.”
“Scrap beginning already,” chuckled Joe. “Bring Confuse-us ashore, and sic the dog on him, Jack.”
“Wonder how the moon ever got there?” put in Aleck Hunt, reflectively.
“Astronomers have various theories,” answered Redfern, with a smile. “Some contend that it was thrown off from the earth; while others think that it was once a part of the sun.”