
A young explorer’s fascination with the night sky sets the stage for an adventure that blends imagination with the wonder of real astronomy. The author explains, in a friendly preface, that the tale will rest on a plausible—but deliberately chosen—view of Mars, one where the planet’s air is thicker than Earth’s. This careful balance of fact and fancy invites listeners to learn a little about the science of space while being swept up in a daring romance of discovery.
When a spectacular meteorite streaks across the heavens, two spirited friends—Jack, the pragmatic leader, and Gerald, the dreamy night‑bird—feel an irresistible pull toward the red planet. Their curiosity drives them to design a daring voyage, turning lofty ideas into a concrete plan. As the story lifts off, listeners are carried along with the excitement of preparation, the promise of unknown horizons, and the timeless thrill of setting out on a journey that could change everything.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (417K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2013-12-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1847–1927
A prolific Victorian adventure writer, he published under the name Frank Aubrey and helped shape early popular science fiction for younger readers. His stories are packed with lost worlds, strange inventions, and high-energy escapades.
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