Astro-Notes: The Great Moon Hoax of 1835

Lunar Animals, 1835, published by The NY Sun {public domain}

On August 25, 1835, the first in a series of six articles appeared in the New York Sun (1833-1950), a 'penny press' newspaper with a 'narrative style' of writing, and a broad reach due to its low price. The paper's circulation increased as readers failed to catch the satire in the story which concerned an alleged discovery of life on the Moon.

Yes, The Great Moon Hoax of 1835 even involved the famous British astronomer John Herschel, son of William, and his scientific discoveries which readers were told, included finding life on the Moon.

Less than a month later on September 16, 1835, The NY Sun admitted that the articles were a hoax and nowadays some may say that the newspaper printing what was really a hoax was an early presaging of Mr. Trump's 'fake news' but in 1835, the paper's circulation did not suffer as viewership (and politically polled approval ratings) can so easily do today. For fun, let's have a peek at the Moon's position for both dates along with the Sun's position for a few clues about the famous Moon Hoax of 1835, its beginning and ending:

August 25, 1835 12:00 pm LMT NYC: Sun Virgo-Moon Virgo for the 24-hour period. A practical double Earth blend, Sun Virgo-Moon Virgo has an appropriate 'Image for Integration': "A well-oiled printing machine hums away, producing perfectly bound copies of The Layman's Guide to Essential Nutrients."

September 16, 1835 12:00 pm LMT NYC: Sun Virgo-Moon Cancer: an Earth-Water blend, practical as potter's clay, and having this 'Image': "A nutritionist serves his family organically grown chicken soup."

Curious that the word pictures for both Sun-Moon blends relate to nurturing, comfort, and food... as does the astrological Moon!

~:~

Note that the Moon remained in her signs during the 24 hours of both dates; "Images" from Sun Sign-Moon Sign by Charles and Suzi Harvey.