In ancient times, limited by societal conditions, people dared not hope to venture beyond the Earth but yearned to ascend to the blue sky. Today, the aspirations of our ancestors have become reality as humanity has crafted various types of aircraft to fulfill the needs of passenger transport and material conveyance. Furthermore, humans have gained the ability to depart from Earth and step into the radiant skies above.
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However, upon entering space, humans have been astonished to realize that space is not as magnificent as they had imagined; let alone vibrant, it appears devoid of life. While standing on the ground, one can gaze upward and see twinkling stars, yet upon leaving Earth’s surface, the surroundings turn pitch-black. Simultaneously, humans have always believed that the universe gives birth to numerous stars, expecting it to be dynamic and prosperous. Yet, reality differs greatly from imagination. After venturing into the cosmos, humans only feel a quiet void devoid of life’s presence, even theoretical extraterrestrial beings.
Confronting the substantial gap between reality and imagination, researchers began pondering the reasons behind it. Initially, many thought that what we observe is merely a tiny fraction of the universe, and there’s nothing surprising about this corner being silent and dark. With relentless efforts, human perspective eventually expanded to cover an area roughly 93 billion light-years across. Regrettably, humans have still not found the extraterrestrial life they envisioned; instead, they perceive the universe as emptier and quieter than anticipated.
On this matter, numerous individuals feel disappointed, as one of the two possibilities seems likely: either human capability is too limited to observe the entire universe, or extraterrestrial life doesn’t exist. Based on current research, it is challenging to lean toward either viewpoint, and perhaps the true answer lies beyond these two perspectives.
With an undaunted spirit, researchers have initiated exploration efforts. Some time ago, the New Scientist journal published a scientific article ruminating on the universe’s mysteries. The article also mentioned that with the aid of the Hubble Space Telescope, researchers discovered a mysterious space belt near the Eridanus constellation, spanning approximately 35 light-years.
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Regarding this lengthy and enigmatic space belt, many suspect it to be the “cosmic wall” often mentioned in science fiction stories or films. If this space belt truly is the “cosmic wall,” what is its purpose? Some consider the laboratory hypothesis, suggesting the “cosmic wall” as a boundary separating a laboratory area from the true universe. From the human perspective, humans might be confined within the laboratory, preventing contact with the real universe, let alone the search for extraterrestrial life, which might not exist within our domain.
If this idea holds true, if a laboratory space exists, it undoubtedly becomes mind-boggling. Within the testing area, all our actions are monitored from the other side, yet we remain ignorant of their circumstances. If someday advanced beings from the opposite side breach the “cosmic wall” and subjugate humans, resistance might be futile.
Nonetheless, excessive concern is unnecessary. After all, scientists have yet to confirm whether the 35-light-year-long space belt is indeed an isolating cosmic wall or possibly just a laboratory. Thus, the laboratory hypothesis may not materialize. The situation is not as perilous as imagined. And if the space belt truly proves to be a cosmic wall, its confirmation will initiate discussions on coping strategies.
What we can do now is focus on scientific research efforts and actively enhance our scientific and technological prowess.