The Key Map indicates the principal lunar formations, and includes the names of those mentioned in the book. The last two plates in the book are from drawings made at the telescope (a 12-inch Calver reflector) by the Rev. T. E. R. Phillips. The opposition of 1909 was not favourable for the observation of Martian details from England; for although the planet was near to us, it was too low down in the sky; and many of the nights were either cloudy or misty. THE SUN, MOON, AND PLANETS Diameter. Period of Rotation. Mean Distance from the Earth. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUN 865,000 miles 25 to 26 days 92,800,000 miles MOON 2,160 miles 27-1/3 days 238,000 miles (It revolves round the earth in the same time.) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLANETS. Diameter in Number of Period of Period of Mean Distance Miles.[1] Satellites Rotation. Revolution from the Sun in Known.[2] Round the Sun. Millions of Miles. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hrs. Mins. Days. Mercury 2,992 None [3]? 88 36 Venus 7,660 None ? 225 67 Earth 7,918 One 23 56 365-1/4 92-3/4 Mars 4,220 Two 24 37 687 141-1/2 Asteroids Very tiny planets, hundreds in number; and more are frequently being discovered. Jupiter 86,000 Eight 9 55 4,332-1/2 482 Saturn 74,000 Ten 10 14 10,759 886 Uranus 31,700 Four Not known 30,687 1,780 Neptune 34,500 One " " 60,127 2,780 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- TO MARS _via_ THE MOON (_Narrative written by Wilfrid Poynders, Esquire, late of Norbury, in the County Borough of Croydon, Surrey_) CHAPTER I WE START ON A VERY LONG VOYAGE "Well, I suppose it is about time to get ready for starting?" The speaker was a smart, well-set-up man about forty-three years of age, whose keen and alert expression, clear eyes and well-cut features were a true index to the intellectuality and integrity of his character; whilst his closely compressed lips and the deep vertical line down the centre of his forehead betokened a dogged perseverance in carrying into effect anything he might undertake.