CHARON: Shaking Hands with the Boatman

Something from outside the solar system slammed into Charon, one of Pluto's moons, with an impact that was visible to telescopes inside Earth's orbit. Charon, was knocked out of orbit by the force of the blow. Now, caught by the gravity of their sun, it was headed into the heart of the solar system, straight towards Earth. Immediately, every doomsayer on the planet started talking about the end of the world, about Judgment, and blamed it all on the turn of the millennium. After days of tension and furious calculation, the experts made the welcome announcement: Charon would not hit them. It would pass nearby, closer than any comet in recorded history, provide a wonderful opportunity for astronomers and astrophysicists everywhere, but they would be completely safe. It would not come close enough to even affect their tides. There would be a spectacular show. Just how spectacular it was, remained to be seen