Local Crossword - 06/06/12

[Bob454]

I am really struggling with the crossword in our local free paper if anyone could assist

1A Planetary home of familiar territory (5) (W - - - - )
8A Processed to a point of absolute purity (7) (R - - - - - D)

2D Explain in terms of a general cause (5) ( - - - - R)
(1st letter is 3rd of 1A, and 3rd letter is 3rd in 8A)

3D This Arthur was saved by improbability (4) ( - - - -)
(1st letter is 5th of 1A, and 3rd letter is 5th in 8A)

The only possible words I have after four days of brainpower are 1A World, 8A Refined, 2D Refer, 3D Dane, however not happy with them.

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give.

[factor-fiction]

6a refined?

[dannyk13]

1a. World
8a. Refined
2d. Refer

[tommy-h]

3d,arthur dent hitchhikers guide

[dannyk13]

3d. Arthur Dent

[dannyk13]

In Hitchikers Guide had a spaceship powered by Improbablility Drive

[Bob454]

Many thanks to you all for your help.
I had never heard of Arthur Dent

[sandyRoe]

1a world?
8a refined
3d Dent. from the hitchikers guide to the ...