On this day, August 25, in 1835

The New York Sun newspaper began publishing reports about life on the moon, giving detailed descriptions of shocking discoveries of bison, goats, unicorns, and bat-like winged humanoids who built temples. According to the reports, oceans and beaches had also been discovered. The author, who many think was one o New York Sun's own journalists, attributed these amazing Moon discoveries to Sir John Herschel --possibly the best known astronomer of his time. It took several weeks before it was all discovered to be a prank, which later became known as the Great Moon Hoax. But even so, it is said to have significantly increased the New York Sun's circulation. Today, we could problably add celebrity drama, sesationalized crime, and sudoku to th elist of what papers use to increase their circulation.