A "dark forest" is a concept in astrophysics and philosophy that describes the universe as a dangerous place where civilizations hide to avoid detection. The idea suggests that advanced civilizations may choose to remain silent and concealed, fearing that revealing their existence could lead to their destruction by more powerful species. This concept is often illustrated through the metaphor of a dark forest, where every civilization is like a hunter, quietly moving through the trees. The fear of being discovered leads to a lack of communication and trust among civilizations, creating a silent and tense atmosphere in the vastness of space.