Class 8 English Notes Chapter 9 (The comet – I) – It so Happend Book

Alright class, let's delve into Chapter 9, "The Comet – I," from your 'It So Happened' book. This chapter, written by the eminent scientist Jayant Narlikar, sets the stage for a potential global catastrophe, blending scientific discovery with human emotions and perspectives. It's crucial for understanding the build-up to the events in Part II.

Detailed Notes for Exam Preparation: The Comet – I

1. Introduction:

• The story introduces Manoj Dutta (Duttada), an amateur astronomer living in Calcutta (now Kolkata).
• It contrasts his scientific passion with his wife Indrani Debi's traditional beliefs and superstitions.
• The central event is Duttada's discovery of a new comet, which later turns out to be on a collision course with Earth.

2. Key Characters:

• Manoj Dutta (Duttada):
  • An amateur astronomer with a lifelong ambition to discover a comet.
  • Owns an 8-inch telescope named 'Dibya Chakshu' (Divine Eye).
  • Passionate, dedicated, and spends long hours stargazing, often neglecting practical matters and his health (according to his wife).
  • He is methodical in his observations.
  • He dislikes social ceremonies and the attention his discovery brings him.
  • Represents the spirit of scientific inquiry and personal achievement.
• Indrani Debi:
  • Duttada's wife.
  • Practical, caring, but also superstitious.
  • Worries about Duttada's health due to his late-night observations in the cold.
  • Believes comets bring ill-luck and wishes Duttada hadn't found one.
  • Represents traditional beliefs and societal views often contrasting with scientific pursuits.
  • Secretly hopes 'Dibya' (the telescope) gets rust or hinders his viewing.
• Dr. James Forsyth:
  • A professional scientist/astronomer featured later in the chapter.
  • Associated with King's College, Cambridge.
  • Receives Duttada's findings via Sir John Macpherson.
  • Calculates the comet's trajectory and makes the alarming discovery that it is heading directly towards Earth.
  • Represents the professional scientific community and the grim realities science can uncover.
• Sir John Macpherson:
  • Defence Science Advisor to Her Majesty's Government (UK).
  • A key figure who understands the gravity of the situation revealed by Dr. Forsyth's calculations.
  • Decides the news must be kept secret initially to avoid panic.
  • Plans to call an urgent, secret international conference of experts to find a solution.
  • Represents authority, responsibility, and the need for careful management of potentially catastrophic information.

3. Plot Summary:

• Duttada's Ambition: Duttada, retired, pursues his hobby of stargazing intensely, hoping to discover a comet.
• The Discovery: One night, he spots a faint, unfamiliar object. He carefully observes it over subsequent nights, confirms its movement against the background stars, and concludes it's a new comet.
• Reporting and Confirmation: He reports his findings to the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bangalore. The IIA confirms the discovery and communicates it internationally.
• Naming and Fame: The comet is officially named 'Comet Dutta'. Duttada becomes a local celebrity but finds the numerous receptions and functions tiresome. He wishes he could just get back to his telescope.
• Indrani's Fear: Indrani Debi is unhappy about the discovery, associating comets with disaster based on traditional beliefs.
• The Calculation (Shift to England): The news reaches England. Sir John Macpherson gives the data to Dr. James Forsyth for precise calculation.
• The Dire Prediction: Dr. Forsyth's calculations reveal a horrifying truth: Comet Dutta is on a direct collision course with Earth, expected to hit in approximately 10 months. The chances of collision are overwhelmingly high.
• Secrecy and Action: Dr. Forsyth informs Sir John, who realizes the catastrophic implications. They agree the information must be kept secret to prevent worldwide panic. Sir John decides to convene a secret conference of international experts immediately to discuss countermeasures.
• The Letter: The chapter ends with Sir John writing a letter to Dr. James Forsyth, asking him to come to London for this urgent meeting.

4. Key Themes:

• Science vs. Superstition: Clearly shown in the contrast between Duttada's scientific passion and Indrani Debi's fears rooted in traditional beliefs.
• Dedication and Passion: Duttada's unwavering commitment to his hobby highlights the power of personal passion.
• The Nature of Discovery: The initial excitement and fame of discovery can sometimes be overshadowed by its implications or the unwanted attention it brings.
• Global Threat & Responsibility: The comet poses a threat not just to one person or nation, but to the entire planet, necessitating international cooperation and responsible handling of information.
• Secrecy vs. Public Knowledge: The dilemma faced by Sir John regarding whether to reveal the impending doom or keep it secret to prevent panic.

5. Important Terms/Locations:

• Dibya Chakshu: Meaning "Divine Eye," the name of Duttada's telescope. Symbolises his means of achieving his 'divine' ambition.
• Amateur Astronomer: Someone who studies astronomy as a hobby, not a profession.
• Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore: The official body in India that verified Duttada's discovery.
• King's College, Cambridge: Where Dr. James Forsyth worked.
• Collision Course: The trajectory of an object set to impact another.
• 'Nature' Magazine: The prestigious scientific journal where Dr. Forsyth intended to publish his findings before realizing the danger and consulting Sir John.

6. Significance for Exams:

• Understand the motivations and perspectives of each key character.
• Know the sequence of events: discovery -> confirmation -> fame -> calculation -> threat identification -> plan for secret conference.
• Be aware of the contrast between the celebration in India and the growing concern in England.
• Recognize the themes, especially Science vs. Superstition.
• Remember key names (Duttada, Indrani Debi, James Forsyth, Sir John Macpherson, Dibya Chakshu, Comet Dutta).

This chapter effectively builds suspense and sets up the problem that needs solving in "The Comet – II".

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What was Duttada's lifelong ambition?
   a) To become a professional astronomer
   b) To buy a bigger house
   c) To discover a new comet
   d) To travel the world

2. What was the name Duttada gave to his telescope?
   a) Akash Ganga
   b) Dibya Chakshu
   c) Dhruv Tara
   d) Cosmic Eye

3. Where did Duttada report his discovery for official confirmation?
   a) NASA, USA
   b) ISRO, Sriharikota
   c) Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore
   d) Royal Observatory, Greenwich

4. How did Indrani Debi react to the discovery of Comet Dutta?
   a) She was overjoyed and proud.
   b) She was indifferent.
   c) She was worried and considered it bad luck.
   d) She wanted to look through the telescope immediately.

5. Who calculated the exact path of Comet Dutta and discovered the potential collision?
   a) Manoj Dutta
   b) Sir John Macpherson
   c) Indrani Debi
   d) Dr. James Forsyth

6. What was Sir John Macpherson's official position?
   a) Prime Minister of the UK
   b) Head of the Royal Astronomical Society
   c) Defence Science Advisor
   d) Editor of 'Nature' magazine

7. According to Dr. Forsyth's calculations, when was the comet expected to collide with Earth?
   a) In 10 days
   b) In 10 weeks
   c) In 10 months
   d) In 10 years

8. Why did Sir John Macpherson decide to keep the news of the collision secret initially?
   a) To surprise the world later
   b) To avoid causing worldwide panic
   c) To verify the calculations himself first
   d) To wait for Duttada's permission

9. What action did Sir John decide to take immediately after learning about the threat?
   a) Announce it on television
   b) Write a paper for 'Nature'
   c) Call an urgent, secret international conference of experts
   d) Ask Duttada to find a solution

10. The contrast between Duttada's feelings about the comet and Dr. Forsyth's findings highlights the theme of:
    a) The importance of amateur science
    b) Different perspectives on scientific discovery (achievement vs. threat)
    c) The inefficiency of government
    d) Superstition prevailing over science

Answer Key:

1. c) To discover a new comet
2. b) Dibya Chakshu
3. c) Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore
4. c) She was worried and considered it bad luck.
5. d) Dr. James Forsyth
6. c) Defence Science Advisor
7. c) In 10 months
8. b) To avoid causing worldwide panic
9. c) Call an urgent, secret international conference of experts
10. b) Different perspectives on scientific discovery (achievement vs. threat)

Study these notes carefully, paying attention to character details, plot progression, and the underlying themes. Good luck with your preparation!