According to our current understanding of physics, there is a fundamental speed limit in the universe known as the speed of light in a vacuum, denoted by the symbol "c." This speed is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (or about 186,282 miles per second).
According to Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, specifically the theory of special relativity, nothing with mass can travel at or exceed the speed of light. As an object with mass accelerates, its relativistic mass increases, and it requires more and more energy to continue accelerating. As an object with mass approaches the speed of light, its relativistic mass becomes infinite, and to accelerate it further would require an infinite amount of energy, which is not possible.
Additionally, as an object with mass approaches the speed of light, its length contracts along the direction of motion and time dilates, meaning that time appears to slow down for the moving object relative to an observer at rest. These effects are known as time dilation and length contraction, and they are consequences of the theory of special relativity.
While it is currently not possible for anything with mass to travel faster than light, there are speculative theories and concepts, such as wormholes and the Alcubierre drive, that propose ways to bypass this speed limit. However, these concepts are purely theoretical at this point, and there is no experimental evidence to support their existence or practicality.
It's important to note that scientific understanding and technological advancements can evolve over time. New discoveries and theories may emerge that could potentially challenge or expand our understanding of the speed limit and the possibilities of faster-than-light travel. However, as of now, the speed of light in a vacuum remains the ultimate speed limit in our current understanding of physics.