It was visible in the United States. It came unpredicted to a population that was largely ignorant of astronomy, and was terrifying to many. Some, including Mormon leader Joseph Smith, saw it as a sign that the end of the world and the Second Coming were at hand. The event touched off a religious revival in the United States. | It was visible in the United States. It came unpredicted to a population that was largely ignorant of astronomy, and was terrifying to many. Some, including Mormon leader Joseph Smith, saw it as a sign that the end of the world and the Second Coming were at hand. The event touched off a religious revival in the United States. |