A great change is taking place in our views in regard to the moon, and it may be that we are on the eve of discoveries which will make this century an epoch in astronomical history. Some American observers saw not long since a crater on the lunar surface in active operation under conditions as reliable as human vision at such a distance can be expected to reach. A French astronomer has made observations on a grander scale, and confidently asserts that the moon is inhabited. M. Camille Flammarion, the present originator of this long-cherished idea, is a scientist of honor and renown, well known for his reputation as an observer and enthusiastic writer. He has written several articles to prove his position, and has determined to devote his life to this branch of astronomical research. No instruments on the globe are powerful enough to afford a glimpse of our lunarian neighbors. M. Flammarion is not in the least discouraged at this apparently insuperable obstacle in the way of a solution of his problem. He is going to have one made that will exhibit the men in the moon to terrestrial eyes without a possibility of mistake. He is urgently soliciting contributions to a fund for an immense refracting telescope, whose estimated cost is 1,000,000 francs, or $200,000. This instrument, the astronomer believes, will be effectual in revealing the inhabitants in the moon really existing, according to his sanguine faith. Some of the largest refractors in the world, if used when the air is pure, bear a power of 3,000 on the moon; that is, the moon appears as if it were eighty miles instead of 240,000. It can thus be seen that an immensely-increased power would be required to detect small objects on the surface.
We trust M. Flammarion will be successful in collecting funds for his monster telescope, and that he will pick up crowds of lunarians through its far-seeing eye before the vision of the present generation becomes too dim to behold the long-wished for sight.–Providence (R. I.) Journal.
Nicolas Camille Flammarion was a well-known French astronomer, who believed in intelligent life outside of earth. And, like another astonomer we’ve discussed here at Odd Ends, he was interested in psychical research.
If you do a Google search, you’ll see references to Flammarion and Newcomb of course, and lots of sites (skeptical and not) discussing the men’s contributions to the study of the paranormal. But what I haven’t been able to discern is why there is a connection between the unseen and the far away.
Of course, we could just read Ambrose Bierce’s definiton:
Lunarian — n. An inhabitant of the moon, as distinguished from Lunatic, one whom the moon inhabits. The Lunarians have been described by Lucian, Locke and other observers, but without much agreement. For example, Bragellos avers their anatomical identity with Man, but Professor Newcomb says they are more like the hill tribes of Vermont.
Ah, Professor Newcomb yet again…