In 1835, the New York Sun shocked the world with headlines claiming famed astronomer Sir John Herschel had discovered life on the Moon—including bat-winged humanoids, unicorns, and sapphire temples. The six-part series, written by Richard Adams Locke, described a 24-foot telescope revealing lush forests, herds of ‘bison,’ and rational ‘Vespertilio-homo’ creatures building structures. Though a satire mocking religious pseudoscience, the hoax captivated thousands, spurred missionary plans, and even fooled scientists. Learn how this 19th-century ‘fake news’ scandal skyrocketed the Sun’s circulation, inspired Edgar Allan Poe, and shaped tabloid journalism—proving sensationalism sells, then and now.