universe

The universe, the sprawling, inscrutable dance floor for the atoms, galaxies, and the occasional lost sock, is broadly acknowledged as a rather big place. In fact, it's so vast that if you were to pour all the world's tea into it, you'd still have room for a biscuit or two. It is the stage upon which all the dramas of space-time unfold; dramas that are mostly concerned with things bumping into each other and reacting in ways that would make even the most stoic of physicists write heartfelt poetry.

Travel Advice

If intending to traverse the universe, be sure to have a towel, a solid grasp of quantum mechanics, and a well-stamped passport, as customs officials at intergalactic borders are notoriously pedantic.

Where to Find

Finding the universe is the one quest on which you're ahead before you've started. It's all around you. Unless, of course, you've slipped into a pocket dimension; in which case, good luck.

What to Avoid

Avoid getting entangled in the local politics of supernovas—and black holes are best admired from a very, very safe distance. Also, beware of buying the Ultimate Answer without knowing the Ultimate Question.

Fun Fact

The universe, in a flagrant act of defiance against common sense, is not only expanding but is doing so at an accelerated rate, which might make one suspect that it's running late for an important cosmic appointment.