The rise of nanometers

After the telescope lenses of Yuan Tiangang Observatory were updated, Huang Gexin and Jiang Zhubo came to the system control cabin of the telescope.

"Open the protective layer!"

"It has been opened. Which area needs to be observed? The currently observable area is the Northeast Star Region." Jiang Zhubo replied.

Huang Gexin thought for a while and then said: "Then observe sector 63 of the Northeast Star Region!"

"That's it."

Sector 63 of the Northeastern Starfield looks like a dark starry sky, but in the highly sensitive mirror of light waves, it is actually a colorful area.

Huang Gexin adjusted the distance and tested it from near to far.

Due to the further improvement in accuracy, there are still many new discoveries even within the 32 light-year radius that could be accurately observed before.

For example, there is an asteroid that has not been discovered before in an area 0.72 light-years away from the solar system. Its size is about 1/13 of the moon.

As expected, the limit of accurate observation reaches 208 light-years.

Jiang Zhubo adjusted the observation sector bit by bit, while Huang Gexin looked at the data. Through supercomputer-assisted analysis and sorting, he could analyze the conditions of many stars.

For example, in an area 43 light-years away from the solar system, no abnormalities were found in any previous observation data.

But this time, they made a new discovery

A small red dwarf star appears in the observation data. The light of this red dwarf star is very dim. If it were not for the upgraded new mirror, its existence would not be detected.

It can be seen that there are still obvious errors in human's previous understanding of the universe.

After all, within 208 light-years of the solar system, in the large size of the universe, this is already a very close distance.

But even at such a close distance, humans still have not discovered many red dwarfs and dark stars, and it is impossible to accurately observe the internal conditions of bright star systems.

Huh? Huang Gexin raised his glasses subconsciously.

"Stop wave by wave and return to the previous sector 102."

Jiang Zhubo was stunned for a moment, then nodded: "Okay."

Soon the angle of the telescope returned to sector 102 again, and the observation data was analyzed continuously, but Huang Gexin's brows became more and more furrowed.

"What's wrong? Is there anything unusual about this sector?"

Huang Gexin replied hesitantly: "I'm not sure either. Come and take a look at this newly confirmed HA2539."

Hearing this, Jiang Zhubo also came over and looked carefully at the newly discovered red dwarf star numbered HA2539. This red dwarf star is very dim and is about 132 light-years away from the solar system.

The reason why Huang Gexin felt abnormal was because there were some very regular dark patterns on the surface of this red dwarf star.

After the data is analyzed, the observation image of the star's surface is synthesized through the intelligent synthesis system, and then gradually enlarged.

They saw that there were many regular black stripes and many black spots on the surface of this red dwarf star.

"This thing...could it be..."

Both of them saw the same answer in each other's eyes. Obviously they suspected that this was an artificial creation, and it was an artificial giant structure similar to a Dyson sphere.

After re-analyzing the data, Jiang Zhubo made a new discovery: "This red dwarf star is a bit too big, with a volume of about 83.4% of the sun. Logically speaking, this type of star should not become red. Dwarf stars, right?”

"If it is really an artificial creation similar to the Dyson sphere, then the problem can be explained." Huang Gexin analyzed with careful eyes.

Jiang Zhubo nodded: "Indeed, if it is artificial creation that blocks the light of stars, it is not difficult to explain."

The two of them did not hesitate and immediately reported the matter to the Ministry of Aerospace. Immediately, the matter caused a stir among the top federal officials.

Even Huang Xiuyuan was dragged to the meeting.

After more than a week of continuous observation, the Yuan Tiangang Observatory ended this tracking observation until the observable direction of the far side of the moon moved to the southeast star field.

A series of star images synthesized from 8 consecutive days of observation data were combined and projected, further confirming that the star is wrapped in a Dyson-like structure.

Because during this period, signs of large flying objects moving around the giant structure were observed.

After Huang Xiuyuan read the joint investigation report, he looked at the others and showed a hint of helplessness: "It should be confirmed that it is an artificial creation. I didn't expect that alien civilization would be so close to us."

Another old academician who studies astronomy and physics is not too worried: "However, judging from the comprehensive observation data, the other party should not have developed beyond the star system."

Huang Xiuyuan agreed with this.

This inference is based on the fact that other star systems around this star do not have similar artificial giant structures.

It can be seen that the technological level of this alien civilization has either just reached the threshold of crossing the star system, or it is incapable of traveling across the star system.

Of course, due to the distance between the two parties, the star system is about 132 light-years away from the solar system.

This means that the existence time of these giant structures is already at the technological level 132 years ago. During these 132 years, it is uncertain whether the other party's technological level has achieved a breakthrough.

But for the time being, you can rest assured that there are no observed abnormalities in the star systems that exist between this star system and the solar system.

As long as the other party does not have super-light navigation technology, it is unlikely that it will enter the solar system for at least five to six hundred years.

There is still a long time left for mankind.

After all, before the acquisition of super-light navigation technology, it would be difficult for current nuclear fusion technology or anti-matter technology to break through the 20% limit of the speed of light.

According to a sailing speed of 20% of the speed of light, if the other party wants to set off from the home galaxy to the solar system, it will take at least 660 years to sail.

Assume that the other party discovered the existence of life in the solar system 132 years ago, and then sent an expedition fleet and prepared an engine that could accelerate the spacecraft to 20% of the speed of light. Then it would take at least 528 years for the other party to reach the solar system.

This is Huang Xiuyuan, who is evaluating the other party to the maximum extent. According to his estimation, even if the other party had the technology to build a Dyson-like structure 132 years ago, it is unlikely that the sailing speed of its spacecraft would reach the speed of light 20 %.

What's more, navigating the interstellar dark areas outside the star system is not as simple as inside the star system.

The density of matter in the interstellar dark zone is too small. Even if antimatter is used as energy source, supply is still a big problem.

Of course, if during these 132 years, the other party's technology had advanced by leaps and bounds and suddenly developed super-light navigation technology, then Huang Xiuyuan wouldn't have to think about it.

If the other party possesses faster-than-light navigation technology, current human civilization has no ability to resist. Instead of thinking too much, it is better to pray that the other party is a peace-loving civilization.

“I propose to keep this matter secret for now,” another participant suggested.

Huang Xiuyuan thought for a while and nodded: "I agree, but we need to make some preparations."

The people who participated in this meeting were all core members of the Federation and naturally understood the nature of this matter.

To say it is serious, it is indeed very serious. After all, it is a developed civilization only 132 light-years away. To say it is not serious, there is really no need to be too anxious. It will take five to six hundred years for the other party to come over.

Rushing to enter a wartime state now may be counterproductive and cause further panic among the people.

Thank you for your support (ω｀)