Don8217;t worry, be happy

Dismissing the reports appearing in a section of press about the likelihood of meteor showers hitting the earth8217;s surface, IUCAA authorities while releasing a statement said that 8220;there is no harm or threat to the earth or anybody on the planet due to the shower.8221;

On November 17, every year the earth passes through the debris of the comet Tempel-Tuttle, strewn along the path the comet has travelled along. When the planet passes through the fine ribbon of debris that it experiences a surge of meteors.

Speaking to media persons, IUCAA director and renowned astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar described the reports of Tempel-Tuttle comet entering the earth8217;s atmosphere as totally baseless.

Speaking on its possible effects on satellite communication, Narlikar said that due to perceived interference, Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO might have to move the solar panels of some communications satellite in other directions or even may have to be temporarily switch them off during the peak activity.

8220;The activity which will continue for about four days, will reach its pinnacle on November 17. For India the event gains singficance as its peak will be distinctly seen, further complemented by the completely dark sky,8221; said Somak Raychaudhury, chairman of Science popularisation committee IUCAA. Last years8217; shower was washed out by bright moon light in the sky. He said that the prediction for the peak activity is expected to be in between 1.30 to 3 am on November 18 past midnight of November 17.