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10., , The Comet-II, fl~1t~, , SUMMARY OF THE LESSON, The International Conference of Astronomers and Space, Scientists discussed the ways to prevent the comet from hitting, the Earth. Manoj Dutta was also invited. The issue was kept, secret from the press and the people., The experts suggested two ways to meet the challenge. The, defensive measure was that the people should live in underground, bunkers for safety. But it was not much practicable. The other, course was to take offensive action. It meant that the comet, should be given a push and made to change its path a little. This, could be done by using nuclear explosion in space., Finally a time table was drawn for the operation. It was, code-named 'Project Light Brigade'. On October 10, the spacecraft, with nuclear material was to be sent. It would meet the comet on, November 15 and try to destroy it. In case the experiment failed,, the comet would hit the Earth on December 15. If it succeeded,, this was the day the comet would pass by at a near but safe, distance. Sir John Macpherson told Duttada that he would not, buy any present for Christmas till 15 December., Duttada returned home from England. He was welcomed, warmly. But he was surprised to see some ceremony going on, under a tent. Indrani Debi explained that they had arranged a, peace Yajna. She called him first to get blessing of pundits because, he had left the shores of India. Duttada's brother explained that, the Shanti Yajna would pacify the evil spirit behind the comet, and save the Earth. Duttada tried in vain to convince them that, comets had no relation with the evil spirit or any calamity on the, Earth., Since his return from England, Duttada was in regular touch, with Sir John. The letters contained subtle hints about the progress, of the project. The threat seemed very much real. In mid-October

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142, , ENGLISH-VIII, , the operation began. Duttada kept constant watch on the comet., But he could not share his anxiety with anyone., On November 18, he received a message from Sir John that, the operation was successful, and he was going to buy Christmas, presents. On 15th December, the comet came closest to the earth,, some 80,000 km. away. Millions saw it but no one knew the story., Duttada told his wife with satisfaction that the comet had, gone without causing any disaster. Indrani Debi gave all credit to, the Shanti yajna performed by their grandson, eight-year-oldKhoka, on his behalf. Duttada now saw the gap between the scientific and, the superstitious attitude. Perhaps human society would not grow, out of blind beliefs and silly religious rituals., , TEXTBOOK, COMPREHENSION, , QUESTIONS, , Ans. James reached his hotel at 1 pm. He looked up from his, window and saw the star-studded sky. He couldn't believe, that any untoward event could happen on such a peaceful, night. He became doubtful about his calculations., 2. What did the scientists, James's 'sums'?, , COMPREHENSION CHECK, 1. What is Duttada, London?, , at the conference, , say about, , Ans. The scientists attending the conference came to the, conclusion that James Forsyth's calculations were correct., The new comet would collide with the earth., 3. Immediate action was needed, the scientists decided., Give one example each of 'defensive' and 'offensive', action mentioned in the text., Ans. The approaching comet needed immediate action. The, scientists had two options. The defensive measure was that, the people should live in bunkers. The offensive action was, to do something to deflect the comet from its path. This, could be done by exploding a nuclear payload near the, comet., 4. "I am not buying, any Christmas, presents, till, December 15". What did Sir John mean by that?, , (Page 87), , expected, , to do on his return, , from, , Ans. Duttada on the return was expected to take part in a Shanti, yajna to pacify evil spirit behind the comet., 2. What is his reaction, , to the proposal?, , Ans. Duttada was very angry. He called it just a silly superstition, to think that comets have ill-effects., (i), , What does 'Project, , Light Brigade' refer to?, , (ii) What does Sir John, , (Page 83), , 1. "For a moment James wondered if he had done his, sums right." Why was James doubtful about his sums, and calculations?, , 143, , Ans. Sir John was not quite sure about the safety of the earth. So, he deferred the buying of Christmas presents till December, 15. By that time the situation was sure to become clear., , 3., , SOLVED, , CHECK, , THE COMET-II, , letter, Ans., , to Duttada, , say about the Project in his, in October?, , (i), , 'Project Light Brigade' refers to the plan to divert the, comet from its path. The plan was to launch a spacecraft, and explode the nuclear device near the comet., , (ii), , The charge of the light Brigade has begun. Let us hope, for the best., , 4. Did Sir John Buy Christmas presents on December, 15? How did Duttada get to know about it?, Ans. Duttada got to know from the letter that Sir John had, bought Christmas presents on Dec 15. It indicated that the, Project Light Brigade was successful., 5. Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not, been disastrous? Do you agree with her?, Ans. Indrani Debi thought that Comet Dutta could not harm the, earth because of the Yajna performed at their house. I, don't agree with this., 6. Is Duttada's, (i) rational?, , general, , outlook, , (ii) moral?, , (iii) traditional?, , Choose the right word. Say why you think it right., Ans. Duttada's general outlook is rational because he had a, scientific temper. He went by reason, not by custom or, morality.

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144, , ENGLISH-VIII, , EXERCISE, , (Page 88), , Discuss the following topics in small groups. Write your, answers afterwards., 1. Should a scientist's findings be suppressed if they, seem disturbing? Give reasons for and against the, topic., Ans. No, the scientist tries to discover the truth, the factual, position. His findings are based on thorough research., Hence, these should not be suppressed or ignored., Copernicus put forward the theory that the earth moves, round the sun. He disproved the belief that the earth was, the centre of universe. And he was right. But Galileo had, to pay the price of telling a truth with his life. Let truth, come to light., 2. Do you think ours is a traditional society? What are, some of the things we do to be called traditional? Do, you find these things useless or useful?, Ans. Ours is a traditional and conservative society. It is because, of ignorance of the people. Our priests have full traditional, beliefs in rites and rituals. We try to pacify the evil spirits, and please God with offerings. These are futile and foolish, practices., 3. Give two or three examples to show how science has, been useful to us., Ans. Science is pure knowledge, a ceaseless search to know the, truth and to make new discoveries. The research is a never, ending process. Science has made life comfortable and, protected us from fire, floods and diseases. If we misuse the, discovery of atomic energy, it is our fault., 4. Give one example to show how science has been, . misused, and has as a result been harmful to us;, Ans. Science discovered gun powder and hydrogen bombs, lethal, gases and other weapons of mass destruction. Instead of, generating power from atomic reactors, we try to produce, a bomb. Such misuse of science involves enormous loss of, life and property., , ODD, , ,