The Great March Comet of 1843
Poet involved
What happened
A magnificent comet appeared suddenly in March, developing a massive tail that grew to over two astronomical units in length, observed with deep anxiety across New England, USA. The comet's unexpected, brilliant arrival directly fueled the religious fervor of the Millerite movement, whose followers believed the comet was the final sign in the sky heralding the literal Second Coming of Christ, scheduled for October 1844, an event that later became known as the Great Disappointment.
Literary impact
The intense apocalyptic atmosphere generated by this comet inspired a wealth of religious poetry, hymns, and doomsday tracts. It heavily colored the cultural background against which New England poets like Emily Dickinson grew up, infusing their early environments with cosmic urgency.
Source: Wikipedia
