A Fall of Moondust
| File:Afallofmoondust.JPG cover -- S.F.Masterworks S. | |
| Author | Arthur C. Clarke |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Science fiction novel |
| Publisher | Orion Publishing Group |
Publication date | 1961 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 224 pp |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-575-07317-9 Parameter error in {{ISBNT}}: invalid character |
A Fall of Moondust is a science fiction novel by Arthur C. Clarke, first published in 1961. It was nominated for a Hugo Award for Best Novel.
By the 21st century, the moon has been colonised, and is open to tourists who can afford the trip. Some of them are trapped after a lunar quake. Can they be rescued?
Plot summary
By the 21st century, the moon has been colonised, and although still very much a research establishment, it is open to tourists who can afford the trip. One of its attractions is a "cruise" across one of the "Seas" that has filled over eons with very fine dust. The specially designed "boat" skims over the surface of the dust, which is so fine that it almost behaves like water.
But on one cruise, a problem develops. A Moonquake causes an underground cavern to collapse, upsetting the equilibrium. As the dustcruiser Selene passes over, it sinks approx. 15 metres below the surface of the dust.
Their air supply is limited, there is no way for heat generated to escape, no communications are possible and no one quite sure where they are. The major problem for Captain Pat Harris and stewardess Sue Wilkins is to keep the passengers occupied and psychologically stable whilst waiting to be rescued. Fortunately, the passengers include several experienced scientists, and also a retired space ship captain and explorer, Commodore Hansteen.
Chief Engineer (Earthside) Robert Lawrence is sceptical that a rescue can be mounted, even if the 'Selene' can be located. He is ready to abandon an initially unsuccessful search, when he is contacted by Thomas Lawson, a brilliant but eccentric astronomer who, from his vantage point on a satellite high above the Moon, believes he has detected the remains of a heat trail on the surface. An expedition is organised and Lawrence indeed makes contact with Selene several metres below the dust surface.
He now plans and sends out a rescue expedition. As the passengers wait and start to run out of air, the rescuers sink a metal tube to the 'Selene' and cut a hole in the roof. With only seconds to go before Selene's LOX finally explodes, the passengers are able to climb out into the waiting rescue craft.
A short sequel sees Lawrence writing his memoirs, Pat and Sue married and Pat hoping to transfer to the space service.
Translations
Trivia
A Fall of Moondust was the first science fiction novel selected to become a Readers Digest Condensed Books
A BBC Radio drama of the story was produced in 1981 - It features David Buck as Captain Pat Harris and Barry Foster as Chief Engineer Lawrence.