Bats And The Barren Moon
Explanation:
This picture, taken as the
Apollo 17 astronauts orbited the Moon
in 1972, depicts
the stark lunar surface around
the Eratosthenes and
Copernicus craters.
Images of a Moon devoid of life are
familiar to denizens of the space age.
Contrary to this modern perception,
life on the Moon was reported in August of 1835
in a series of sensational stories first published by
the New York Sun - apparently intended to improve the paper's circulation.
These descriptions of
lunar life received broad credence and
became one of the most spectacular
hoaxes in history.
Supposedly based on telescopic observations,
the stories featured full,
lavish accounts of a Moon with oceans and beaches, teeming with plant
and animal life and climaxing
with reported sightings of
winged, furry, human-like creatures
resembling bats !
Within a month the trick had been revealed
but the newspaper continued to enjoy an increased readership.
For now ...
have a safe and
happy Halloween !
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
