# Hitching a Wagon to a Star explained — Islands of Space

> Chapter companion for Islands of Space by John W. Campbell.

## What happens

The crew devises a daring plan to escape the gravitational pull of a dead black dwarf by using the molecular ray to stop the rotation of a companion white dwarf, causing the two stars to collide and creating a neutral point from which they can activate their space strain drive. After intense calculations and preparations, they successfully extinguish the white dwarf and wait for the collision, but the sudden acceleration at the critical moment knocks them unconscious.

## Themes in this chapter

### Science and Technology as Tools

The crew uses the molecular ray and precise calculations to stop a star's rotation and escape a black dwarf's gravity, demonstrating technology as a means to overcome cosmic threats.

### Resilience in the Face of Cosmic Threats

Facing certain death from cold and gravity, the crew devises a high-risk plan involving stellar collision, showing determination and adaptability.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Richard Arcot

Leads the plan to use the molecular ray to stop the companion star's rotation, calculates the timing, and modifies the telectroscope.

### Morey

Assists Arcot with observations and calculations, takes charge of the timing and computer systems.

### Wade

Works on wiring and cable installation outside the ship, suggests the crew take sleeping tablets to rest before the critical moment.

### John Fuller

Helps with equations and observes the events, asks questions about the plan.

## Key lines

> If Muhammad can not go to the mountain, then the mountain must come to Muhammad.

Since we cannot move our ship to a safe point, we will move the star itself to create an escape route.

_Arcot misquotes the proverb to explain their plan of using the molecular ray to bring the companion star toward them._

> We can escape between the hammer and the anvil as millions of millions of millions of tons of matter crash into each other.

We will slip through the neutral point between two colliding stars to break free from gravity.

_Arcot describes the daring escape plan during the stellar collision._

> I wish we could stay around to see the splash. It’s going to be something to see.

I regret we cannot witness the spectacular collision of the two stars.

_Arcot expresses curiosity about the visual spectacle of the stellar impact._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/islands_of_space_se/chapters/xi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/islands_of_space_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/islands_of_space_se/chapters