Frankenstein moon of Mary Shelley

Texas astronomer Donald Olson says the “Frankenstein shining moon” account Mary Shelley used to sell her book actually existed, going against what other critics said was nothing but a made up story to sell her novel.

Shelley had claimed that she wrote her book one night in 1816 when during a “waking dream” moon shone through her window.

Olson says it was Shelley’s account of the moon that helped verify her story:

Regardless of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein Moon” story her book still remains one of the most celebrated monster stories of all time, spawning various movies and updated versions of her work.

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein shining moon" account, which she claims inspired her to write the iconic "Frankenstein" during a competition, has been confirmed to be true by a Texas astronomer.

Shelley claimed she was staying with her future husband, Percy Shelley, at the Villa Diodati in Switzerland in June of 1816, MSNBC reports.

Shelley, Lord Byron, Percy Shelley and John Polidori were staying in a villa in June 1816, when Byron challenged each person to come up with a ghost story.