Blip-03, codenamed "Ad Astra" by M.E.G. researcher Dr. Hawkins for its relative proximity to multiple star clusters, is a distortion of space and time located within Level 78. It is expected to annihilate what remains of Level 78's space station following an energy wave's destruction of the station's devices on 01/19/22.

Description

Ad Astra emitting microwaves. Notice the grainy quality.

Ad Astra currently poses a threat to all organic matter inside Level 78. With an approximate diameter of 7.6 million kilometers, its estimated volume of 229.8 million km³ far exceeds the size of the space station in Level 78, which is estimated to be no more than 50 million km³. Based on short video clips and eyewitnesses,¹ Ad Astra appears white to the human eye, with streaks of rainbow-colored light surrounding the main body.

Occasionally, Ad Astra will emit beams of microwave radiation without warning — the only indication of an incoming beam is a sudden increase in the anomaly's brightness. However, if one witnesses this occurrence, the beams will have already reached the station since microwaves and visible light travel at the same speed. Upon penetrating the station, these beams will temporarily disable all electronic communications for several seconds before the system reboots. Although generally harmless in the long run, these beams will cause wanderers to hear clicking noises² as a natural consequence of inner ear exposure to microwave radiation.

Attempted thermal reading on Ad Astra. Resulting image shows signs of corruption.

Researchers' attempts to gather information on the properties of Ad Astra have been largely unsuccessful. Its reality-warping mechanisms do not abide by the laws of physics, so contemporary tools for predicting the potential consequences of a collision do not function correctly. Readings are frequently corrupted by unexplained deviations — it is unknown whether the microwaves or the strong gravitational field contribute to these discrepancies.

Regardless, researchers have come to a broad consensus concerning the result of a collision — destruction is imminent. The methods by which Ad Astra destroys matter (and anti-matter) are highly debated. Some researchers believe that matter entering the anomaly will simply cease to exist, while others believe that matter entering the anomaly will break down into quarks and be absorbed as fuel.

M.E.G. Researchers Report #823 — The Noises of Ad Astra

Released By: Dr. Hawkins
Published: February 7, 2022
Subject: Ad Astra's Microwaves

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As proven in previous studies, Ad Astra emits several microwaves; the resulting heat causes expansion in the inner ear, which is responsible for the unusual clicking sounds wanderers hear in the moments after a surge. However, we have made a discovery that is inconsistent with current scientific knowledge of microwaves — every wanderer experiences the same clicking sounds at the same time, and each surge produces the same sounds. This should not be possible, as variations between wanderers in the structure of their inner ears should, in theory, cause every wanderer to experience a different noise.

Upon further inspection, it appears that the sounds mimic Morse code. Our researchers, after several attempts, have successfully translated the clicking sounds into Morse code, which has then been translated to English.

. ...- . .-. -.-- / .- -. --. . .-.. / .. ... / - . .-. .-. .. ..-. -.-- .. -. --.

The message translates to "every angel is terrifying", a direct quote from the Duino Elegies by Rainer Maria Rilke, which primarily focus on existential suffering.

Our researchers do not believe this is coincidental and will follow up later on the supposed implications this may have on Ad Astra's current classification as a Sub-Layer.

Entrances and Exits

Entrances

The M.E.G. strongly advises against entering the anomaly, but those who wish to out of stubborn curiosity can stay inside Level 78 until Ad Astra engulfs the station. Keep in mind that their fates after entry will be uncertain, and the M.E.G. will declare them dead until evidence emerges confirming their survival.

Exits

Based on preliminary research suggesting that wanderers are killed upon entry, the M.E.G. has concluded that finding an exit is nearly impossible. Even if this research is incorrect, there is no evidence suggesting that anything has ever escaped Ad Astra.

Archived Audio Log #1032 — 01/27/22