lunarian

plural lunarians

1. Alternative letter-case form of Lunarian.

   It is not shown in the maps made by [Wilhelm Gotthelf] Lohrmann and by [Wilhelm] Beer and [Johann Heinrich von] Mädler, nor does [Johann Hieronymus] Schröter, or any of the older lunarians, indicate a crater at this part of the moon’s surface.

   1878 August, Richard A[nthony] Proctor, “A New Crater in the Moon”, in The Contemporary Review, volume XXXIII, London: Strahan and Company […], →OCLC, pages 44–45

   3 more examples

   A very few months, with attention and practice, will enable any one with a good eye and steady hand to take correct lunar distances. The officers in the East India Company’s Service have deservedly had the reputation of being very expert lunarians and excellent navigators.

   1843, Edward Jennings, “On Lunars”, in Hints on Sea-Risks, Containing Some Practical Suggestions for Diminishing Maritime Losses Both of Life and Property; […], London: Sold by R[obert] B[rettell] Bate, […] Printed by W[illiam] Balle, […], →OCLC, part III, page 41

   Had a fine view of the five Nepturian asteroids, and watched with much interest the putting up of a huge impost on a couple of lintels in the new temple at Daphnis in the moon. It was amusing to think that creatures so diminutive as the lunarians and bearing so little resemblance to humanity, yet evinced a mechanical ingenuity so much superior to our own.

   1848 (date written), Edgar A[llan] Poe, “Mellonta Tauta”, in Godey’s Lady’s Book, volume XXXVIII, number [2], Philadelphia, Pa.: L[ouis] A[ntoine] Godey, published February 1849, →OCLC, page 137, column 2

   All navigators will tell you that from one day to another ship may lose or gain more than five miles in her sailing-account, and again, in the matter of lunars, even expert lunarians are considered as doing clever work when they average within eight miles of the truth. […] The work of the lunarian, though seldom practised in these days of chronometers, is beautifully edifying, and there is nothing in the realm of navigation that lifts one’s heart up more in adoration.

   1900, Joshua Slocum, “Sailong Alone around the World. […] Part III. Juan Fernandez and Samoa.”, in The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine, volume LIX (XXXVII, New Series), New York, N.Y.: The Century Co.; London: Macmillan & Co. Ltd., →OCLC, pages 145–146

plural Lunarians · alternative lunarian

1. literatureAn inhabitant of Earth's Moon (Luna): either an indigenous one or a human one.

   Synonyms: Lunite, Lunan, Lunarite, Selenian, Selenite, Moonman, moonman

2. celestial navigationA maritime navigator who uses the Moon to determine longitude without the need for an accurate clock.
3. science fiction fandomA member of the New York Science Fiction Society.

alternative lunarian

1. literaturePertaining to the inhabitants of Luna (Lunarians).