The Great Moon Hoax: Newspapers Fool the World

 The Great Moon Hoax: Newspapers Fool the World

Date: August 1835

Key Characters: Richard Adams Locke (author), John Herschel (astronomer, unwitting subject), readers of the New York Sun.

Summary: Seeking to boost circulation, the New York Sun published a sensational six-part series claiming famed astronomer Sir John Herschel, using a powerful new telescope in South Africa, had discovered fantastical life on the Moon. Descriptions included bat-winged humanoids ("Vespertilio-homo"), unicorns, beavers that walked upright, and lush forests. Though presented as factual, it was entirely fabricated by reporter Richard Adams Locke. The hoax captivated the public and rival newspapers before being exposed, highlighting media sensationalism.

Historical Reference: The original New York Sun articles, subsequent exposes and retractions, analyses of 19th-century journalism.