Why does Indrani Debi dislike Duttada’s ‘hobnobbing’ with Dibya?
‘Dibya’ was a telescope and its name was given by Indrani Debi. Dattada was always excited about the stars and it was the telescope that he cherished to have throughout his life. He never cared and paid attention for his wife, Indrani Debi or about himself. That is why his wife disliked “Dibya” as her rival.
She is complaining and smiling. Why is she smilimg?
Indrani Deb is the complaining and smiling. Because she knew that her husband, Duttada, never paid attention to the household things. On that night, he did not even bother to close the door and he forgot to put on his sweater too. That’s why she complains that “Dibya”, the telescope has cast a spell on her husband. But she could not help smiling at her husband’s child-like behaviour.
What was Duttada’s secret ambition?
Duttada’s secret ambition was to buy a good telescope and to spend hours in watching stars at night. He used to observe the patterns in the sky and record them. Like, an astronaut, he wanted to discover a comet.
What did he do to achieve it?
He waited for his retirement, so that we could use his retirement funds for buying a telescope.
What is the difference between a planet and a comet, as given in the story?
A planet has fixed orbit, but comets do not. Because a comet comes from the distant corners of the solar system. It keeps on changing its path. Also, planets are visible around the year. On the other hand, comets are visible once in a century.
Why was Duttads hopeful that he would discover a new comet soon?
Duttada was hopeful of discovering a new comet because he knew that professional astronomers follow their organization’s guidelines to look for faint stars and nebulae. Also, he knows this fact that all the comets that have been discovered till date were by amateur astronomers. So, he is super excited to discover one too.
Why does Duttada say — “I almost wish I had not discovered this comet.”
The discovery of the new comet brought Duttada’s publicity. But, he did not like the way he was being treated as he was an introvert person. That’s why he said that he wished he hadn’t discovered that new comet.
Why is his wife unhappy about the discovery?
The discovery of the new comet made Duttada’s wife unhappy because she believed that the comets are the symbols of destruction and bad health. She was a superstitious woman. So, she feared that the discovery of this comet will bring calamities on the family as well as on the earth.
How did Sir John get hold of James’ original manuscript?
Sir John knew Mr. Taylor, the editor of the magazine, “Nature”. Using his relationship with the editor, he got hold of James’ original manuscript.
What is the important point the paper makes?
The paper makes the important point that Duttada’s comet would collide with the earth. And this collision will happen in approximately ten months-time, after which the life on earth would end.
Why does Sir John say that James’ paper should not be published?
Sir John opposed the publication of James’ paper because his prediction would panic the world. He was confident enough to discuss this issue with world’s greatest scientists and find a solution to it.
What do the two men finally decide to do?
The two men finally agree to organise a secret conference of international experts. The objective of this secret meeting was to plan how to avert the calamity and find a remedial solution to it.