noon
But they were obliged to give it up . Besides , through the lateral openings they could still perceive the vast lunar regions , like the earth is seen from the car of a balloon . This placing of the disc took an hour 's work . It was more than noon when the preparations were completed . Barbicane made fresh observations on the inclination of the projectile , but to his great vexation it had not turned sufficiently for a fall ; it appeared to be describing a curve parallel with the lunar disc . The Queen of Night was shining splendidly in space , whilst opposite the orb of day was setting her on fire with his rays . This situation soon became an anxious one .