History: The Great Moon Hoax

History: The Great Moon Hoax
On this day in 1835, the New York Sun published the first of six sensational articles known as “The Great Moon Hoax,” claiming that famed astronomer Sir John Herschel had discovered life on the moon through a powerful new telescope in South Africa. The reports described unicorns, two-legged beavers, bat-like humanoids, and a moon rich with rivers, crystals, and lush vegetation—captivating readers of the new “penny press” and skyrocketing the paper’s sales. Meant as satire, the story fooled even Yale scientists before the paper admitted the hoax weeks later, leaving the public more amused than outraged.
The poster is part of our September 6 auction. View at https://tinyurl.com/3hf2hp8b
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