The Conquest of the Moon: Selenography at the Paris Observatory Library

Selenography (derived from the Greek lunar deity, Selene) is a branch in astronomy that studies the surface and physical features of the Moon. Topography, geology, volcanology, seismology, and even sometimes hydrology... selenography is pluridisciplinary in nature, and throughout history it demands a high knowledge in diverse fields, which reflects undeniably the satellite’s nature.

The Paris Observatory Library keeps a large collection of books specialized on the Moon, which encompasses its history of observations and our knowledge on the satellite. This remarkable archival fonds spanning between the 17^th to the 20^th century, allows a discovery of the first cartographies of the Moon, and their associated nomenclatures.

By clicking the images on the timeline, you will discover a selection of selenography from the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th century, from the Paris Observatory Library.