After PhD candidate Kate Dibiasky discovers a comet on a direct collision course with Earth, she and Professor Randall Mindy try to persuade a politically distracted President, a media-saturated public, and a powerful technology company to stop it before impact.
- Scenes 1–7
Kate and Randall work within the familiar routine of astronomy and university research.
- Scenes 8–26
They discover the impact deadline and need the government and public to respond, but Orlean refuses immediate action.
- Scenes 27–60
Kate and Oglethorpe take the warning outside official channels, entering the press and television world to reach the public.
- Scenes 61–72
The scientists navigate conspiracy claims, arrest, and political reversal as Orlean finally announces a deflection mission.
- Just before
- Scene 100
Gym patrons watch the comet announcement on their treadmill televisions.
- Scene 101
Kate and Oglethorpe debate the reality of the comet with a hostile cable host and congressman.
- Scene 102
Brie and Randall exchange personal histories after sex, contrasting her wealthy past with his family memories.
- Scene 103
This scene
