Every person across the globe has to live through worries, expectations, desires and disillusions. A lifetime is just a very short journey in the vast universe. It will soon vanish as a meteor. However, people have never stopped looking for the answers to the questions in their hearts, even though they may encounter difficulties and feel exhausted and confused on the way. What the people want is a return with definite answers. Then, the journey is worthwhile.
Born in September 1955 in Ji’nan, Shandong Province of China, Zhang Haidi (f.) has been Chairperson of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation since 2008. Praised as a first-class writer, she is a Member of the National Committee of the China Writers Association. She used to be Vice-Chairperson of the Shandong Provincial Writers Association. Her published works include: Wheelchair Dream, The Topmost, and Enduring as the Universe (novels)； Questions of Life, My German Diary, Beautiful English, and Unsinkable Boat (prose)； and Chinese translated works of First Term at Trebizon, Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived, etc. She has also published Optional Works of Haidi (six volumes).
Far away from the coastline, the city boasts of beautiful sceneries with lower altitudes and a moderate climate. In the northwest of the city stand several peaks, of which the highest one (more than 1,000 meters high) is Jiufeng Moutain with a dense forest and fresh air. Driving along the winding path lined with trees you can reach the top of the mountain with an open ground and unexpected red buildings. Nearby, several dome shaped white buildings surrounded by white fences come into view. Characteristically, the lower part is shaped into cylinders with tracks on the upper part and a huge hemisphere on the top. The roof windows on the hemisphere are usually closed in the daytime, and open as the lights turn on and the stars shine at dusk. On that occasion, some cast dim light and others seemed to be dark, or even darker than the night sky. On these tranquil nights, large eyes observe the unfathomable sky. Until the morning star rises in the east, the roof windows are silently closed one after another, with only one left for the rising sun.
Jiufeng Mountain is very far for urban residents. Most of them don’t care about the white buildings, and some even don’t know anything about it. Recent years have witnessed a growing number of visitors to the neighboring attractions rather than the observatory. Compared with the resorts, the observatory appears a little desolate and has a touch of mystery to it. Its name fills people with awe partly due to the fact that it’s related to the universe. Those who frequent the observatory are also awe-inspiring. The observatory seems to be detached from humans’ earthly life and public concern.
Du Kecheng is sitting in front of a computer. Behind him there is a reflector telescope pointing at the night sky with a 1.2-meter caliber. As head of the project, Mr. Du and his team members are thoroughly scanning the multiband solar system, part of his ambitious plan. He gazes at some light spots, bright and dim, on the screen. These are stars outside of the solar system. Besides, there are many small light spots moving fast or slowly, most of which are asteroids or homeless fragments and stones wandering within the system. Most of them have been numbered and documented, but there are still some unexpected visitors in between, including some dangerous Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). His eyes are fixed on them
for thousands of data are connected with every small object and the data are constantly changing. Those NEOs, in particular, are likely to make a surprise attack at the earth at any minute. Therefore, it’s necessary for them to dedicate themselves to endless calculations,
which requires accurate observation and timely data processing. Nonetheless, the formulae for processing the data are inaccessible now. The conventional way of observing data makes it hard to catch up with the world’s advanced system. Without the basic formulae, digitalization is reduced to an empty talk.
All of a sudden, an unfamiliar light spot flashes into Mr. Du’s eyes. Unlike other asteroids in orbit, it seems to be evasive. He immediately takes off his spectacles and rubs them with a piece of Kleenex. Then he can see it clearer. It’s indeed strange with low brightness. He focuses on it and opens the automatic tracker and the digital camera. Within a few seconds, it disappears. So he turns the telescope on that area, but it doesn’t show up. In the early morning after the roof windows are closed, he repeatedly watches the video of that light spot and calculates it with the traditional formulae, finally reaching a tentative conclusion that it’s an NEO. But it’s impossible to collect such data as its orbital elements, its size and its composition for want of advanced instruments and limited time. As an experienced astronomer, he is certain that this mysterious object is potentially dangerous, perhaps quite dangerous.
He immediately returns to his office and finishes a report. It’s almost 8 o’clock. He feels his mind is in a fog. Anyway, after a shower he feels refreshed. Ding Lan, his secretary, comes with his breakfast. Mr. Du asks her to inform other members of a meeting as he eats.
Whenever I look up into the sky, many feelings rise in my mind. I even tried to speak to them, but in vain, thus throwing me into confusion. Compared with the infinite sky, human beings seem to be tiny and insignificant. However advanced and large the telescope is, it’s impossible to observe the edge of the universe. I’m wondering where we are, where we’re from, where we’ll go, and whether we feel lonely in the boundless universe. Is it possible for us to find bosom friends? If so, what can they do for us? And what can we do for them?
Human beings have been accustomed to the solar system, the sun being at the center. They have been used to living around that center. Nowadays, the universe is making people increasingly upset about the fact that the further they can observe, the more problems they will meet with. As a matter of fact, even prior to human evolution the universe existed and is changing all the time. Therefore, it’s unlikely for people to know it in a short time or even in the future. It will exist even after human beings disappear. I’m often troubled by the question what the astronomers and astronauts expect of the deep blue.
One day, I was determined to write this book. Till now loneliness has been my constant companion. At times I watch the sky in a daze. Now thinking is gaining increasing importance in the sheer vanity. Without thinking, one is not living in a real sense. I do hope that thinking outlives the body. On finishing this book, I suddenly feel relieved for these words will enable me to enjoy the company of the sun, the everlasting existence.
