The Great Moon Hoax

The Great Moon Hoax refers to a series of six sensational articles published in The New York Sun starting on…

By Staff , in Hoaxes , at August 24, 2024 Tags: 1835, hoax

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The Great Moon Hoax refers to a series of six sensational articles published in The New York Sun starting on August 25, 1835. These articles falsely claimed that astronomer Sir John Herschel had made groundbreaking discoveries on the Moon using a powerful telescope. The articles described fantastical scenes, including detailed accounts of lunar landscapes, exotic plants, and various animal species, including winged humanoid creatures called “Vespertilio-homo,” or bat-men.

Origins and Publication:
The articles began appearing in The New York Sun on August 25, 1835, and continued for several days.
Richard Adams Locke, a reporter for the paper, is widely believed to have authored the hoax, though the newspaper never officially acknowledged his involvement.

The Alleged Discoveries:
The series described how Herschel, using a new, powerful telescope in South Africa, observed lush forests, oceans, and even cities on the Moon.
The most sensational claim was the discovery of intelligent life, including humanoid creatures with bat-like wings, unicorns, and other fantastic animals.

Public Reaction:
The articles captivated the public, leading to a significant increase in the newspaper’s circulation.
Readers were fascinated by the detailed and imaginative descriptions, and many believed the stories to be true.
The hoax even gained international attention, with other newspapers reprinting the stories.

The Revelation:
Eventually, skepticism grew, and the articles were exposed as a hoax. Critics pointed out inconsistencies and questioned the scientific credibility of the claims.
Sir John Herschel himself, upon hearing of the hoax, found it amusing but was reportedly annoyed by the misuse of his name.

Legacy:
The Great Moon Hoax is one of the most famous media hoaxes in history and is often cited as an early example of “fake news.”
It demonstrated the power of the press in shaping public opinion and highlighted the public’s willingness to believe extraordinary claims.
The hoax also had a lasting impact on journalism, contributing to discussions about ethics, credibility, and the role of sensationalism in the media.