Andy Montoya
The idea that the moon is made of cheese has been a long-running joke, with references to it found in children's programmes like *Tom and Jerry* and *Wallace and Gromit*. The earliest known citation of the joke dates back to 1546, when The Proverbs of John Heywood claimed the moon is made of a greene cheese. Over the following century, the phrase came into common use, with English natural philosopher John Wilkins writing in 1638, you may … soon persuade some country peasants that the moon is made of greene cheese, (as we say).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of origin | 1546 |
| Source | The Proverbs of John Heywood |
| Variations | "to make one believe the Moon is made of green cheese" |
| "Wallace and Gromit rules. It's all cheese, 100%. Mountains of bree, caverns of Wensleydale, Camabert swamps etc." | |
| "The moon has an outer covering of dust but there is cheese underneath it." | |
| "A slight (10 feet) covering of moon rock that covers a layer of edible, yellow goop that's often referred to as 'moon cheese' by the media." | |
| Scientific support | No |
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What You'll Learn
Wisconsinites' reaction to the news
Wisconsinites might be delighted to hear that the moon is made of cheese, as the state is known for its cheese production. They might even be inspired to create new cheese-themed attractions or products to celebrate this news. However, some Wisconsinites might be sceptical, as the idea of the moon being made of cheese has been around for centuries and is often used as a joke or a hoax. They might point out the scientific impossibility of the moon being made of cheese due to the presence of bacteria and mould. Overall, the reaction of Wisconsinites to the news that the moon is made of cheese would likely range from excitement and creativity to scepticism and disbelief.
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The moon's composition
This idea was further perpetuated by English natural philosopher John Wilkins, who wrote in 1638, "you may... soon persuade some country peasants that the moon is made of greene cheese, (as we say)", speaking of human gullibility. Despite the scientific community never supporting this claim, the notion of a cheese-made Moon has persisted in popular culture, with references in children's programmes such as *Tom and Jerry* and *Wallace and Gromit*.
The joke has evolved to include various scenarios, such as the Moon being entirely made of cheese, with mountains of Brie, caverns of Wensleydale, and Camembert swamps. Another variation suggests that the Moon has an outer covering of dust, beneath which lies a layer of edible, yellow goop often referred to as "moon cheese". A third scenario proposes a similar structure, but with a slight 10-foot covering of moon rock over the cheese.
While the idea of a cheese-made Moon is entertaining, it is important to note that cheese is inherently exposed to bacteria and, as Camembert and Brie are included, the Moon would also be covered in mould.
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The history of the moon
The scientific community has never supported the claim, yet every children’s program from Tom and Jerry to Wallace and Gromit has made its fair share of moon-cheese references.
There are several scenarios that could be imagined if the moon were made of cheese. One is that the moon is 100% cheese, with mountains of bree, caverns of Wensleydale, and Camabert swamps. Another is that the moon has an outer covering of dust but there is cheese underneath it. A third is that there is a slight (10 feet) covering of moon rock that covers a layer of edible, yellow goop that's often referred to as "moon cheese" by the media.
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The impact on space exploration
The idea that the moon is made of cheese has been around for centuries, with the earliest known citation dating back to 1546. While it is commonly believed that this notion originated as a joke or a hoax, it has nonetheless persisted in popular culture, with references appearing in children's programmes such as *Tom and Jerry* and *Wallace and Gromit*.
The impact of this belief on space exploration is twofold. On the one hand, it could serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for space exploration, particularly for those with a penchant for cheese. The prospect of discovering vast quantities of cheese on the moon could spark curiosity and excitement, leading to increased interest in space exploration and potentially attracting a wider range of participants.
On the other hand, the belief that the moon is made of cheese could also present challenges and distractions for space exploration efforts. If individuals, particularly those from Wisconsin, were to take this idea literally and expect to find cheese on the moon, it could lead to disappointment and disillusionment when their expectations are not met. This could result in decreased public support for space exploration initiatives and potentially impact funding and resource allocation.
Furthermore, the focus on cheese as a potential resource could divert attention and resources away from other critical aspects of space exploration, such as scientific research, technological advancements, and the search for extraterrestrial life. It is important for space exploration endeavours to maintain a balanced and well-rounded approach, considering a range of objectives and priorities beyond the mere pursuit of cheese.
In conclusion, while the notion of a moon made of cheese may have some positive impacts on space exploration, such as increased interest and participation, it is crucial to maintain a realistic and scientifically grounded perspective. Space exploration initiatives must carefully navigate the potential challenges and distractions that could arise from unrealistic expectations or a narrow focus on cheese-related objectives. By striking a balance between curiosity and scientific rigour, space exploration can continue to advance our understanding of the universe and unlock a multitude of benefits for humanity.
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The potential for lunar tourism
The notion that the moon is made of cheese, specifically green cheese, first appeared in John Heywood's *The Proverbs of John Heywood* in 1546. Heywood's work included well-known sayings such as "the more, the merrier" and "a penny for your thoughts". The idea of the moon being made of cheese was likely intended as a joke or a hoax, as suggested by the phrase "to make one believe the Moon is made of green cheese".
Over the centuries, the concept of a moon made of cheese has persisted in popular culture, with references in children's programmes like *Tom and Jerry* and *Wallace and Gromit*. While the scientific community has never supported this claim, it continues to capture the imagination of people, especially those from Wisconsin, who are known for their love of cheese.
The idea of a moon made of cheese has even inspired scenarios in which the moon is entirely made of cheese or has a layer of cheese beneath its dusty surface. These playful speculations add to the allure of lunar tourism, offering a whimsical twist to the exploration of our celestial neighbour.
While the reality of the moon's composition may not be as tasty as cheese, the prospect of lunar tourism remains an enticing possibility. With advancements in technology and space exploration, the idea of humans travelling to and exploring the moon is closer than ever. Lunar tourism could offer unique opportunities for scientific discovery, as well as a chance to appreciate the beauty and mystery of our solar system from a new perspective.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the moon is not made of cheese.
The idea that the moon is made of cheese likely originated in 1546, when The Proverbs of John Heywood claimed "the moon is made of a greene cheese".
"Greene" refers to the age of the cheese, rather than its colour.
Every children's program from Tom and Jerry to Wallace and Gromit has made its fair share of moon-cheese references.
Scenario 1: The moon is 100% cheese, with mountains of bree, caverns of Wensleydale, and Camabert swamps. Scenario 2: The moon has an outer covering of dust but there is cheese underneath. Scenario 3: The moon has a slight (10 feet) covering of moon rock that covers a layer of edible, yellow goop referred to as "moon cheese".
