1835day.year
The first Great Moon Hoax article is published in The New York Sun, announcing the discovery of life and civilization on the Moon.
The New York Sun publishes the first Great Moon Hoax article, falsely claiming life and civilization on the Moon.
On August 25, 1835, the New York Sun ran the first installment of what would become known as the Great Moon Hoax. The sensational articles described the discovery of fantastical lunar inhabitants, including bat-like humanoids and lush vegetation. Written by Richard Adams Locke, the series was initially believed by many readers and boosted newspaper sales dramatically. Skeptics soon exposed the fabrication, but the hoax had already captivated the public imagination. The event highlighted the power of sensational journalism and its ability to influence public opinion. The Moon Hoax remains a classic example of early media-driven misinformation and its lasting cultural impact.
1835
Great Moon Hoax
The New York Sun
Moon