“In space… nobody can hear you scream.” To the millionaire science skeptics out there, you’re welcome to explore that theory. Though Russia’s space tourism program is currently offering trips for a price of around $30 million, I hear they’re offering discounts for open displays of enthusiasm and positivity. General public gloominess in the country is at an all-time high… or low, depending on how you look at it.
For the rest of us, we’ll have to settle for the next best, non-reflective, really quiet thing: an anechoic chamber, one of the newest of which has been built by scientists at Minneapolis’ Orfield Labs, according to Brooklyn Vegan.
Zero noise from the outside and a complete lack of sound wave reflection on the inside means that, assuming you’re solo inside the room, you’re only left with your thoughts and the sound of your heartbeat. And thoughts about how you can hear your heartbeat. And thoughts about how your heartbeat is quickening due to the onset-paranoia of being able to hear your heartbeat. And thoughts about how you’re having a panic attack on the floor. Studies from Orfield Labs show that subjects placed within the chamber tend to start hallucinating within 30 minutes.
Watch a video explanation of the room below, though be forewarned that the digital recreation doesn’t show the man tripping balls. D’awww.
• Orfield Labs: http://www.orfieldlabs.com
