CBSE Class 8 It So Happened: The Comet - II NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This chapter, 'The Comet - II' from the CBSE Class 8 'It So Happened' textbook, delves into the dramatic events surrounding the discovery of a comet on a collision course with Earth. The NCERT Solutions provide detailed answers to questions about the characters' reactions, the scientific community's response, and the proposed solutions. It explores the conflict between scientific reasoning and superstition, highlighting James's calculations, the scientists' 'Project Light Brigade,' and the debate over defensive and offensive actions. The solutions also touch upon the cultural responses, like the yajna proposed by Indrani Debi, contrasting them with Duttada's rational perspective. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the narrative's complexities, understand the scientific challenges presented, and analyze the characters' motivations, making them an excellent resource for exam preparation and a deeper understanding of the chapter's themes.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 8
Subject	It So Happened
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	10. The Comet - II

Chapter summary

Chapter 10, 'The Comet - II,' focuses on the aftermath of discovering a comet threatening Earth. The NCERT Solutions cover the comprehension check questions, detailing the scientists' reactions, the 'Project Light Brigade' plan to deflect the comet, and the contrasting views on superstition versus scientific action. It examines character dialogues and motivations, particularly Duttada's rational approach against traditional beliefs, and clarifies the significance of key dates and events mentioned in the narrative.

Learning outcomes

Understand the scientific and emotional responses to a potential global catastrophe.
Analyze the conflict between rational scientific thought and superstitious beliefs.
Explain the concept of 'Project Light Brigade' and its objectives.
Identify and differentiate between 'defensive' and 'offensive' actions in crisis management.
Evaluate the characters' perspectives and motivations within the story.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Comet discovery and threat assessment
Scientific calculations and doubt
Scientists' conference and predictions
Defensive and offensive actions
Project Light Brigade
Superstition vs. Rationality
Duttada's scientific outlook
Character reactions to crisis
Mission success and implications

Important topics

Project Light Brigade and its objective
Duttada's rational perspective
The debate between scientific action and superstition
Analysis of character dialogues and motivations
Understanding the threat of the comet

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Questions and Solutions

Comprehension Check - Q1

"For a moment James wondered if he had done his sums right." Why was James doubtful about his sums and calculations?

Solution: James felt a moment of doubt about his calculations when he looked out at the star-studded night sky. He knew that Comet Dutta, which he had calculated was heading for a collision with Earth, was somewhere among those stars. The peaceful and beautiful scene of the night sky made it difficult for him to reconcile with the catastrophic future his scientific work predicted.

Comprehension Check - Q2

What did the scientists at the conference say about James's 'sums'?

Solution: At the conference, the scientists confirmed that James's calculations, or 'sums', were indeed correct. They stated that a direct collision with the Earth was unavoidable. They mentioned a very slim possibility that the comet might only graze the Earth's atmosphere, which could lessen the loss of life and property, but this offered little reassurance.

Comprehension Check - Q3

Immediate action was needed, the scientists decided. Give one example each of 'defensive' and 'offensive' action mentioned in the text.

Solution: The scientists discussed two types of actions. A 'defensive' action proposed was for people to live in underground bunkers to protect themselves from the impact. An 'offensive' action suggested was to try and alter the comet's path. This involved sending a spaceship with a nuclear payload to intercept the comet and detonating it remotely to give it a slight push, thus deflecting it from its collision course.

Comprehension Check - Q4

"I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15." What did Sir John mean by that?

Solution: Sir John's statement implied his uncertainty about the success of the mission to deflect the comet. December 15 was the critical date; if the operation failed by then, the comet would hit the Earth. By postponing his Christmas shopping, he was expressing a cautious hope that they would survive the impending disaster and that there would be a reason to celebrate and buy presents.

Comprehension Check - Q5

What is Duttada expected to do on his return from London?

Solution: Upon his return from London, Duttada was expected to perform a 'shanti yajna'. This ritual was proposed by Indrani Debi as a way to appease what she considered an evil spirit associated with the comet, hoping to prevent the disaster.

Comprehension Check - Q6

What is his reaction to the proposal?

Solution: Duttada reacted with strong anger and disagreement to the proposal of performing a 'shanti yajna'. He firmly believed it was a superstitious act. He argued that while such beliefs might have been understandable in ancient times when people lacked scientific knowledge about comets, they were unacceptable in the modern era, especially since statistical studies showed no correlation between comet visits and earthly disasters.

Comprehension Check - Q7

(i) What does 'Project Light Brigade' refer to? (ii) What does Sir John say about the Project in his letter to Duttada in October?

Solution: (i) 'Project Light Brigade' was the code name given to the critical operation undertaken by the scientists. Its objective was to prevent the comet from colliding with Earth by launching a spaceship with a nuclear payload to intercept and deflect the comet. The success or failure of this project was crucial, with December 15 being the deadline.

(ii) In his letter to Duttada in October, Sir John mentioned that "the charge of the Light Brigade had begun." This statement, referencing the famous poem about a courageous but doomed military charge, implied that the spaceship carrying the nuclear payload had been launched as planned, signifying the start of the critical mission.

Comprehension Check - Q8

Did Sir John buy Christmas presents on December 15? How did Duttada get to know about it?

Solution: Yes, Sir John did buy Christmas presents on December 15. Duttada learned about this through a letter from Sir John. In the letter, Sir John expressed his confidence in being able to buy Christmas presents on that date, which served as an indirect confirmation that 'Project Light Brigade' had been successful in deflecting the comet, thus averting the disaster.

Comprehension Check - Q9

Why, according to Indrani Debi, had the comet not been disastrous? Do you agree with her?

Solution: According to Indrani Debi, the comet had not caused a disaster because of the 'shanti yajna' that had been performed in their home. However, this view is incorrect. The yajna had no actual effect on the comet or its trajectory. It was the successful execution of the scientific mission, 'Project Light Brigade', by the scientists that prevented the comet from colliding with Earth and saved humanity from destruction. Therefore, one should not agree with Indrani Debi's explanation.

Comprehension Check - Q10

Is Duttada's general outlook (i) rational? (ii) moral? (iii) traditional? Choose the right word. Say why you think it right.

Solution: Duttada's general outlook is best described as rational.

He consistently bases his beliefs and actions on logic, scientific evidence, and verifiable facts, rather than on superstition or tradition. For instance, he vehemently rejected the idea of performing a 'shanti yajna' to appease the comet, calling it superstition. He believed in his own calculations and the scientific methods employed by his colleagues. His laughter when Indrani Debi suggested the comet brought ill-luck further emphasizes his rational perspective, as he understood that celestial events like comet appearances do not inherently bring good or bad fortune.

Common mistakes

Confusing the purpose of the yajna with the scientific solution.
Misinterpreting the significance of dates like December 15.
Failing to distinguish between defensive and offensive strategies.
Overlooking Duttada's rational viewpoint in favor of other characters' beliefs.

Revision tips

Focus on understanding the timeline of events and the scientific plan.
Compare and contrast Duttada's rational outlook with Indrani Debi's superstitious beliefs.
Note down the key actions proposed by the scientists and their rationale.
Review the meaning of 'Project Light Brigade' and its code name.
Consider the implications of Sir John's statements about Christmas presents.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was the primary concern that made James doubtful about his calculations?

Q2. What was the 'offensive' action proposed by the scientists?

Q3. What did Sir John mean by 'I am not buying any Christmas presents till December 15'?

Q4. Duttada's reaction to the proposal of a 'shanti yajna' was one of:

Q5. What was the code name for the operation to prevent the comet collision?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of 'The Comet - II' chapter?

The main theme revolves around the scientific and societal response to a potential global catastrophe caused by a comet, highlighting the conflict between rational scientific approaches and superstitious beliefs.

Who is James in the story and why was he doubtful?

James is a character whose calculations predicted the comet's collision with Earth. He was doubtful because the peaceful night sky seemed to contradict the severity of the impending disaster he had calculated.

What was 'Project Light Brigade'?

'Project Light Brigade' was the code name for the scientific operation designed to deflect the comet from its collision course with Earth using a nuclear payload.

How did Duttada react to the idea of performing a yajna?

Duttada reacted very angrily, dismissing the idea as superstition and unacceptable in modern times, emphasizing his belief in scientific reasoning over rituals.

What does Sir John's statement about Christmas presents reveal?

Sir John's statement indicates his uncertainty about the success of 'Project Light Brigade' and whether humanity would survive the comet's potential impact by December 15.

According to Indrani Debi, why was the comet not disastrous?

Indrani Debi believed the comet was not disastrous because of a 'shanti yajna' performed in their house. However, the text clarifies that the scientific project was responsible for averting the disaster.

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