08-20-2024 - On This Day in Insane History

On August 20, 2466, an unusual astronomical event occurred that sparked worldwide curiosity and speculation. It began when stargazers across Europe noticed an odd reddish glow emanating from the constellation of Orion that seemed to be growing in size. At first thought to be a supernova or strange nebula, astronomers were baffled by the diffuse cloud that appeared where once only three stars had shone.

As telescopes focused on the celestial mystery, details emerged of a vast expanding sphere of ionized gas enveloping the famed Belt of Orion. Spectrographic analysis revealed chemical signatures unlike any known astronomical body. Over the next few nights, the apparent diameter of the Ruby Orb (as it had become known) continued increasing, while emitting ever stronger reddish light.

By August 23rd, the Orb had grown so large as to be visible even in major cities suffering the worst of light pollution. Astronomers labored furiously to solve the puzzle, but were confounded by the object’s irregular growth and unusual spectra. Extrapolating its rate of expansion, speculation arose that humankind might witness an unprecedented cosmic encounter within a matter of weeks.

Just then, a message was received that would resolve the riddle and spark a new era of cooperation among Earth’s nations. The transmission originated from a point within the Ruby Orb and was identified as a first contact signal from a highly advanced alien civilization, which introduced themselves as the Inari. It seemed humanity had borne witness to the early stages of a monumental voyage of exploration to our shores by our new celestial neighbors. A new chapter in global relations had secretly begun amidst the once-familiar stars of Orion.