Twenty-seven minutes past two
Above , there were broad white bands , darkened on the side averted from the sun , exhibiting a slow but unintermittent movement ; these were the vapors that pervaded the terrestrial atmosphere . But as the aeronauts were being hurried on at a speed of 70 miles a second , this vague aspect of the earth soon developed itself into definite outlines . Mountains and plains were no longer confused , the distinction between sea and shore was more plainly identified , and instead of being , as it were , depicted on a map , the surface of the earth appeared as though modelled in relief . Twenty-seven minutes past two , and Gallia is only 72,000 miles from the terrestrial sphere ; quicker and quicker is the velocity ; ten minutes later , and they are only 36,000 miles apart ! The whole configuration of the earth is clear . `` Europe ! Russia !