Introduction

Do you remember the shocking incident when a massive cylindrical aquarium in a Berlin hotel bar burst, displacing thousands of fish and capturing headlines worldwide? This unforeseen disaster raised numerous questions about engineering safety, and luckily, a diligent reader named Craig recently reminded us of some critical follow-up articles that delve into the specifics of this failure.

The Primary Theories of Collapse

In a meticulous investigation by Berlin prosecutors, three primary theories emerged regarding the aquarium's catastrophic collapse. These included: the potential failure of the adhesive securing the acrylic panels, a dent at the base of the tank resulting from recent refurbishment, or the possibility that the aquarium had been refilled too soon after repairs, preventing the acrylic panels from setting properly. While these theories are worth considering, the vague wording in the report might leave one wondering if the true answer was simply, “things happen.”

Forensic Analysis

The forensic analysis that led to these conclusions was spearheaded by Professor Christian Bonten, hired by the building's owners to uncover the truth. This extensive investigation involved on-site debris examination followed by rigorous laboratory testing of 90 tonnes of recovered fragments. They meticulously analyzed the chemical composition of the acrylic to understand its behavior under stress. Despite their extensive efforts—over 1,100 hours of analysis—the findings concluded that the collapse was “sudden and unexpected.” One can only imagine how the displaced fish would feel about this unsettling revelation—an unforeseen disaster lurking in what should have been a secure environment.

Pandemic Observations

Shifting our gaze from aquariums to astronomical phenomena, the COVID-19 pandemic surprisingly provided researchers with a unique opportunity to study our planet's impact on celestial bodies. During lockdowns, a plethora of non-intuitive observations surfaced, such as reduced seismic noise and clearer pollution maps. Remarkably, scientists also documented a decrease in surface temperature on the Moon during the height of the lockdowns in April and May 2020. This intriguing dip stemmed from a reduction in longwave infrared emissions from Earth, linked to diminished greenhouse gas emissions. Such findings underscore the interconnectedness of our planet’s ecosystem—even extending to our nearest celestial neighbor.

Space Fatalities and Protocols

While pondering space concerns further, thoughts regarding the protocols for potential fatalities on the International Space Station (ISS) arose. Historically, space travel has incurred minimal deaths—mostly occurring during launch or reentry. However, with the presence of multiple space stations hosting long-term crews in harsh conditions, the likelihood of an in-situ death increases. Commander Chris Hadfield, a veteran of the ISS, shared insights on this sensitive topic, revealing the gravity of having a contingency plan.

Promession Proposal

A particularly fascinating proposal discussed in 2021 revolved around a concept known as "promession," which involves freezing the deceased in liquid nitrogen and then rapidly vibrating them into tiny particles suitable for composting. In space, the plan would adapt to the cold of the cosmos, utilizing robotic assistance to carry out the disintegration. The conversation certainly took some bizarre turns, with mentions of Martian cannibals, likely a product of ongoing confusion regarding NASA's official protocols for handling astronaut deaths at the time. Fortunately, it seems that NASA is developing concrete plans for this as well.

Conclusion

As shocking as these stories are, they reflect our ongoing journey in understanding engineering failures on Earth and the complex challenges of human life in space. Stay tuned, as we continue to unearth the sci-fi realities of living beyond our planet!