The play, reproduced as a duplicated manuscript, was meant for the Kinderfreunde, an educational organisation for the youth linked to the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ). The scientific methods are ridiculed, the power of the media is criticised and Kasperl takes advantage of the situation to extort money from credulous people and unveil the selfishness of political figures. His conclusion is that everything is ephemeral, and human stupidity is boundless. According to him, only fear of the comet can reverse the balance of power between the rich and the poor, by scaring capitalists. Humanity, for it knows not how to rally behind a common cause, is bound to disappear.

The comet Halifax 712 is approaching Earth. In the absence of the astronomer, Kasperl, his assistant, makes a journalist believe that a collision is imminent. Sensationalist press spreads panic. Kasperl denounces the selfishness of the Minister, who only thinks about himself. He also mocks people for stupidly believing in what the newspapers say, hires a telescope from a passer-by in order to get a closer look at the comet and suggests ridiculous measures (spraying water towards the comet, sending a spaceship). As the comet approaches, Kasperl disguises as a Capuchin monk and hears the confessions of the Minister as well as those of the journalist and of a salted meat master. When they want to bring their wealth in order to redeem themselves from their wrongdoings, they realize that the comet has drawn away, but Kasperl explains to them that their belongings and their superstition will be the subject of many other plays.