1835 Moon Hoax

August 26, 2024

On August 25, 1835, The New York Sun published a series of articles that claimed to reveal astonishing astronomical discoveries, including the existence of life on the moon. Although these stories were meant to be satirical, many people took them seriously, which made this event an important moment in the history of journalism and how people believe what they read in the media.

Main Claims of the Articles

The articles stated that Sir John Herschel, a famous astronomer, had invented a powerful new telescope that allowed him to see life on the moon. These “discoveries” included bizarre creatures like man-bats and unicorns. The articles even included illustrations to make the claims seem more convincing.

Motivation Behind the Hoax

The hoax was created by Richard Adam Locke, who worked for The Sun. His goal was to poke fun at the growing influence of religious ideas in scientific discussions. Locke was inspired by the exaggerated religious claims about life on other planets and wanted to parody these ideas by presenting even more outrageous “discoveries.” The articles captured the public’s imagination and were widely reprinted and praised by other newspapers. Many readers believed the stories, mistaking the detailed descriptions and illustrations for real scientific discoveries. This shows how people at the time were quick to accept sensational stories because they had limited access to reliable information.

Revelation of the Hoax

On September 16, 1835, The Sun finally revealed that the articles were a hoax. Surprisingly, instead of losing readers, the newspaper’s popularity continued to grow. This demonstrated that people were fascinated by sensational stories, even if they weren’t true. This event highlighted the powerful influence that the press and media can have on shaping public perception. Famous writer Edgar Allan Poe criticized the articles for lacking originality and pointed out the irony that so many people believed such fantastical claims without questioning them.

Facts About The New York Sun

The New York Sun, founded in 1833, was one of the first newspapers that cost just one penny, making it affordable for the general public.
It was known for using sensational stories and focusing on human-interest topics.
The Sun became famous for publishing the well-known letter titled “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.”
The newspaper was known for its sharp wit and political commentary. Although it stopped publishing in 1950, it was briefly revived in 2002.
The Sun’s legacy influenced future journalism, especially the development of tabloid journalism.

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