"Roadside Picnic" is a science fiction novella written by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky in 1972. The story is set in a mysterious area known as the Zone, which is filled with strange artifacts left behind by extraterrestrial visitors. These artifacts possess unusual properties, attracting scavengers known as stalkers who risk their lives to retrieve them. The narrative follows a stalker named Redrick Schuhart as he navigates the dangers of the Zone and grapples with the philosophical implications of the alien presence. The novella explores themes of human desire, the unknown, and the impact of advanced technology on society.