two in the morning
About two o'clock in the morning Barbicane found that they were above the twentieth lunar parallel . The distance of the projectile from the moon was not more than six hundred miles . Barbicane , now perceiving that the projectile was steadily approaching the lunar disc , did not despair ; if not of reaching her , at least of discovering the secrets of her configuration . At half-past two in the morning , the projectile was over the thirteenth lunar parallel and at the effective distance of five hundred miles , reduced by the glasses to five . It still seemed impossible , however , that it could ever touch any part of the disc . Its motive speed , comparatively so moderate , was inexplicable to President Barbicane . At that distance from the moon it must have been considerable , to enable it to bear up against her attraction .