The Star by H. G. Wells. Short summary

5 seconds

Astronomers warn of a star approaching the solar system. This is of little concern to mankind. Only when apocalyptic phenomena begin, panic sets in.

1 minute

In January 1900, astronomers announced that a star was approaching the solar system. Neither governments nor the general public took this information seriously.

Scientists declared that the star had swallowed Pluto, Neptune, and Jupiter and its moons. But even that didn’t cause concern. Mathematicians calculated that the celestial luminary would pass close to Earth. But cynics remembered that in 1000 the mankind was waiting for the end of the world, but it did not happen.

Soon there were two suns in the sky. The star was the size of the moon. The increase in energy began to melt the ice and there were massive floods. Reacted to the approach of the celestial body and the magma of the Earth — in many places there were earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Soon, the planet lost its satellite. Apocalyptic phenomena began. Most of the Earth’s people died. The temperate climate belt turned into a lifeless desert. Survivors moved to the Arctic and Antarctica.

Meanwhile, the Martians, watching the Earth, thought that nothing terrible awaited them.