The Comet - I

1. Why does Indrani Debi dislike Duttada’s “hobnobbing” with Dibya?

Explanation:

Duttada has a keen interest in observing the stars and often spends considerable time utilizing his "Dibya" telescope in hopes of catching a glimpse of a comet. However, Indrani Debi does not appreciate Duttada's deep attachment to his telescope, viewing it as a rival for her husband's affection and attention. According to her, the telescope serves as a metaphorical spouse that has entrapped Duttada, drawing his complete focus away from her.


2. She is complaining and smiling. Why is she smiling?

Explanation:

Ever since then, Indrani Debi has frequently voiced her discontentment regarding Duttada's beloved telescope, Dibya. Nevertheless, she occasionally finds herself amused by it, recognizing that her husband tends to overlook practical concerns in his fascination with stargazing. Despite receiving medical advice to take extra precautions against the cold, Duttada fails to even consider wearing a sweater, despite spending long hours sitting in a bedside chair.


3.  i. What was Duttada’s secret ambition?

ii. What did he do to achieve it?

Explanation:

(i) Duttada is an unprofessional astrophysicist who has a strong desire to discover a comet on a clear day. He believes that the telescope is the key to fulfilling his lifelong dream. According to him, even professional astronomers who are exploring faint stars and nebulous galaxies may overlook something as small as a comet due to their pre-programmed space exploration protocols.



(ii) Being an unprofessional astrophysicist, Duttada at all times wished to have enough resources and time to purchase a good telescope and gaze at the night sky. His wish came true after he retired when he purchased an eight-inch telescope named Dibya Chakshu, meaning Eye of God. Every single night, he would spend his time with Dibya, observing the starry sky, hoping to find a comet. He believes that professionals may miss the opportunity to spot such a minor event due to their predetermined interstellar investigation programs.


4. What is the difference between a planet and a comet, as given in the story?

Explanation:

In the story, it is mentioned that comets are celestial bodies that originate from distant regions in the solar system. Similar to planets, they revolve around the sun but their trajectories are extremely elliptical. Due to this, comets may approach the sun at times. These objects are characterized by their long tails that are illuminated by sunlight. After a while, they vanish into darkness and may not be seen again for several years or even eras.


5. Why was Duttada hopeful that he would discover a new comet soon?

Explanation:

The desire to discover a new comet is what drives Duttada to spend so much time stargazing with his telescope. He believes that professionals, who are focused on exploring dark stars and nebulous galaxies through their pre-assigned programs, may overlook something as seemingly insignificant as a comet. This is why he hopes to make the discovery himself. In fact, it's not uncommon for amateurs to discover new comets that professionals have missed.


6. Why does Duttada say — “I almost wish I had not discovered this comet.”?

Explanation:

Duttada returned from one of the ceremonies with a sense of disgust and thought to himself, "I almost regret discovering that comet." He felt this way because his discovery had garnered him unwanted attention and he was being invited to various receptions and events. Being an introvert, Duttada didn't enjoy such publicity stunts.


7. Why is his wife unhappy about the discovery?

Explanation:

Indrani Debi didn't share Duttada's enthusiasm for his comet discovery. She believed that comets brought bad luck and unnatural disasters to the planet, and that good people like Duttada should not be associated with such discoveries.


8. How did Sir John get hold of James’ original manuscript?

Explanation:

Sir John submitted James' original manuscript to the journal Nature, which was being edited by Mr. Taylor, who happened to be a friend of Sir John's.


9. What is the important point the paper makes?

Explanation:

The article focuses on the fact that Comet Dutta is likely to crash with Earth very soon.

The chapter mentions that Duttada, an amateur astronomer, was able to observe and discover the new comet using his telescope. However, later analysis reveals that the orbit of Comet Dutta is extremely eccentric and may cause it to collide with the Earth, leading to catastrophic consequences. The chapter describes the panic and chaos caused by the news of the potential collision and how people start to prepare for the worst. The focus is on the potential danger posed by the comet and the efforts made to prevent the collision or mitigate its impact.


10. Why does Sir John say that James’ paper should not be published?

Explanation:

Sir John was concerned that the publication of James' article might trigger a worldwide panic as it revealed the alarming possibility of Comet Dutta colliding with Earth.


11. What do the two men finally decide to do?

Explanation:

The two individuals lastly agreed to hold a confidential gathering of significant global specialists to develop a strategy to prevent the upcoming catastrophe.