The Dark Zone: A Mysterious and Terrifying Phenomenon in Space
The vastness of space is undeniably one of the most magnificent realms ever explored beyond Earth. However, the journey into space isn’t always smooth sailing for astronauts. The dark barrier zone encountered during the return of Shenzhou 15 (a Chinese spacecraft launched on November 29, 2022) has provided us with new insights into the inhospitable environment of space. The unique characteristics of this dark zone have deepened our understanding of the hazards of space.
Exploring space is humanity’s dream and frontier, and the dark zone, as a mysterious and dangerous entity in space, has significantly impacted astronauts. The dark zone is a region deep in the universe where light from stars is blocked by interstellar dust and gas, rendering it dark. The harsh environment and weather conditions in the dark zone can directly affect the physiology and psychology of astronauts.
In the dark barrier zone (or dark zone), sunlight and heat cannot penetrate, leading to extremely low temperatures that are inhospitable for life. The temperatures here are more severe than the coldest places on Earth. Under normal conditions, the human body requires a certain temperature to maintain biochemical reactions and organ functions. However, in the dark zone, these biochemical reactions can slow down or even cease due to the drop in temperature. Human cells and tissues can also suffer rapid damage when exposed to excessively low temperatures.
At the same time, the dark zone poses other hazardous factors. The lack of warmth and radiation in space results in high radiation doses for the human body. The effects of space radiation on the human body are alarming; it can damage cellular DNA, cause mutations, and potentially lead to cancer.
Moreover, the dark zone lacks atmospheric protection, making astronauts vulnerable to direct bombardment from solar winds and high-energy particles, posing significant threats to their bodies and health.
Extremely low temperatures in the dark zone pose certain threats to the physiological health of astronauts. In the dark zone, temperatures can plummet due to the darkness of interstellar space and insufficient heat dissipation. Astronauts exposed to low-temperature environments are at risk of hypothermia, which may lead to symptoms such as slowed bodily functions, decreased heart rate, reduced blood pressure, muscle stiffness, and in severe cases, can even be life-threatening.
The space environment in the dark zone presents a significant challenge for space exploration and the survival of astronauts. During space missions, the spacesuit serves as the last line of defense for the survival of astronauts. It provides warmth and a supply of gases, protecting astronauts from extreme temperatures and low pressure. Additionally, the spacesuit can mitigate radiation damage through a specially coated helmet.
Humanity has also begun to explore how to adapt to the environment of the dark zone by modifying life support systems. While temperature and radiation levels cannot be altered, scientists are seeking ways to adapt to the dark zone environment through biological and medical research. For instance, through genetic engineering, human genes can be modified to enhance the body’s ability to resist damage from temperature and radiation. Such in-depth research could provide more opportunities for humans to venture into space.
Light distortion can cause visual discomfort for astronauts and lead to inaccurate visual perception. Simultaneously, astronauts may experience issues such as fatigue and eye strain due to prolonged exposure to frequent light changes in the dark zone, which can affect their work performance and judgment.
Significant light changes in the dark zone can also affect astronauts’ visual perception and mental state. In the dark zone, because the light from stars is blocked by dust and gas between the stars, the refraction of starlight causes it to bend and scatter in space, resulting in dramatic changes in lighting that astronauts experience in the dark zone.
Due to the unstable light in the dark zone, astronauts are prone to hallucinations when exposed to darkness for extended periods, believing they are seeing non-existent sights. These hallucinations can increase stress and workload for astronauts, complicating their ability to complete missions successfully.
The environment in the dark zone can cause mental fatigue, hallucinations, and other psychological issues for astronauts. The dark zone is an unexplored and unknown territory, and the psychological qualities of astronauts must contend with the instability and isolation of the space environment. During long-duration space missions, astronauts may feel lonely, anxious, and fearful, and these emotional responses can heighten sensitivity to power outages and exacerbate hallucinations.
In future space exploration efforts, we must continue to learn and improve technological means to better protect astronauts and enable them to explore uncharted frontiers more safely.
