Summary of The Comet – II
The Comet- II is a continuation of the previous story the Comet- I. In this story, leading scientists from around the world come together for a conference. This gathering of experts is taking place so as to avoid Comet Dutta’s collision with Earth. Dutta Comet’s discoverer was Manoj Duttada. John came to the decision of organizing a secret meeting of experts. These experts were belonging to various fields. Sir John also invited Duttada to this conference of experts. According to the calculations by Dr. James and other scientists, the effect of this collision would be disastrous. The aim of the experts was to come up with a plan to prevent Comet Dutta’s collision with the Earth. These experts were successful in achieving their objectives. However, afterward, Duttada becomes aware of yet another problem which was much bigger in scale.
The Comet – II Summary in English
The discussions between Sir John Macpherson and James Forsyth came to an end. By the time Sir John had dropped James to his hotel, the time was 1 a.m. It was so late that there was hardly any crowd outside.
A conference of scientists was to take place and Sir John was responsible for its organization. At the conference, all the listed experts were present. Manoj Duttada was the special invitee of John and he was also present there.
The duration of this conference was of one week and it took place in absolute secrecy. First of all, the experts made sure to check James’s calculation again and again. Furthermore, the latest observations of Comet Dutta also took place.
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The conclusion of the scientists was that there was no way that the Earth could escape a direct hit by the comet. Furthermore, there was a slight chance that the comet may just touch the atmosphere of the Earth. In that case, there won’t be a total loss of life and property.
There was a rejection of defensive measures by the scientists. Rather, their decision was to take offensive action. The idea was to deflect the comet by giving it a push. Furthermore, this was possible with nuclear power.
Sir John was in doubt regarding the project. His idea was to delay buying Christmas presents till after December 15. Only then it would be certain that whether an aversion of danger has taken place or not.
When Duttada came back to Calcutta, he was greatly honored by the people. Furthermore, an organization of yajna took place by Indrani Debi, his wife, so that the priests could bless Duttada. Duttada was sceptical of this religious ceremony and thought of it as just a superstition.
Duttada kept in touch with Sir John after his return. They also became good friends. Sir John gave hints to Duttada regarding Project Light Brigade.
Comet Dutta was approaching the Earth without any signs of weakness. Duttada was unable to share his anxiety regarding the comet with anyone. He was following the comet on a regular basis and now it was visible to the naked eye.
There was an expression of confidence from Sir John when he spoke of buying Christmas presents. On December 15, Comet Dutta was only 80,000 kilometers away. Many people began admiring it but were unaware of its danger.
Duttada thought of his grandson uttering yajna mantras. He also thought of the scientists at the conference. Furthermore, he thought of two contrasting pictures- one of rational and other of superstitious. The gap between the rational and superstitious seems very big to him.
Conclusion of The Comet- II
The Comet- II shows us the capability of humans to manage nature while also acknowledging the gap between rational and superstitious people.
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