If the World Was Ending

Picture this: it’s Halloween eve, 1938, and you’re gathered with your family around the radio to listen to the evening programs. All of a sudden, the broadcast is interrupted by a breaking news bulletin. First, a report of explosions on Mars, then news of a meteorite landing in New Jersey, and suddenly a correspondent is attacked live on air by a Martian heat ray! Obvious spoiler: there was no Martian attack that night. But there was a radio play — a performance of Orson Welles’ adaptation of “War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells. If you’ve heard of this production before, it’s likely due to the widespread panic it supposedly caused — radio listeners running out of their homes, jamming the interstates, and tying up the phone lines all in a frenzy about what they presumed to be a real Martian attack on Earth. But… is that really what happened? Learn what really went down on today’s episode of AirSpace! Did you know AirSpace has a monthly newsletter? Sign up here! AirSpace is made possible by the generous support of Olay.