SearchLites - Vol 02 No 1

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 2, Number 1, Winter 1996, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc., a non-profit, membership-supported corporation dedicated to the electromagnetic Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence. The issue is primarily in English and focuses on news and activities within the SETI community.

Key Articles and Features

SETI Scientists Release Songbook

The SETI League, Inc. has released "Sing a Song of SETI," a songbook containing 16 new songs by executive director Dr. H. Paul Shuch. The collection, which includes the "SETI League Anthem," is sold to raise funds for a privatized radio search for extraterrestrial signals and for Project Argus. Dr. Shuch, a radioastronomer and engineering professor, aims to balance art and science. The songbook is available for a $10 tax-deductible contribution to The SETI League, PO Box 555, Little Ferry NJ 07643. Proceeds will support hardware development for Project Argus, an all-sky survey intended to involve 5,000 amateur radiotelescopes. The SETI League is working to privatize SETI research following the termination of NASA's SETI funding. Those interested in participating or supporting the search can contact The SETI League.

SearchLites: Volume 2 Number 1, Winter 1996

This issue of SearchLites, the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc., is dedicated to Barney Oliver. The cover headline announces "League Announces First Technical Conference."

League Announces First Technical Conference

Plans are underway for SETICon I, The SETI League's first annual technical conference, to be held at Trenton State College, NJ, on June 29, 1996. This event coincides with the 25th Anniversary of the Cyclops study and aims to assess progress in SETI over the past quarter century. The conference will feature lectures, workshops, and panels, with participation from alumni of the Cyclops study group. Dr. Robert Dixon, Deputy Director of the Ohio State University Radio Observatory, will be the keynote speaker. Dr. D. Kent Cullers will speak on "How Cyclops Changed My Life." SETI League engineers will provide updates on Project Argus. Pre-registrants will receive a complimentary copy of the Cyclops Report 25th Anniversary reprint.

How-To Manual Introduced

The SETI League's website (www.setileague.org) offers technical details about Project Argus. For members without web access, a Technical Manual is now available in hardcopy for the cost of printing and postage. This manual compiles hardware and software articles from the internet site, detailing the design, construction, and operation of amateur SETI stations. Copies are printed individually on request and may vary due to weekly website updates. Orders are for SETI League members only, using a form on page 6.

In Memoriam -- Barney Oliver

By H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director. This section is a tribute to Dr. Bernard M. Oliver, described as a legend and the father of Project Cyclops. Oliver, who passed away on Thanksgiving evening at age 79, was a significant mentor to Shuch and instrumental in introducing him to SETI. The article recounts Oliver's career, including his work at Bell Labs, his visit to Frank Drake at Green Bank in 1960 for Project Ozma, and his role in developing the scientific pocket calculator at Hewlett-Packard. A personal remembrance describes a dinner with Oliver, Nick Marshall, and Suk. The article also notes the recent passing of Nick Marshall, marking a double loss for the SETI community. The issue of SearchLites is dedicated to Oliver, and SETICon I is being held in his memory. The Project Cyclops report is being reprinted and dedicated to him. The article concludes by emphasizing Oliver's ability to inspire dreams on a grand scale.

Merrimac Donates Lab Equipment

Merrimac Industries of West Caldwell, NJ, has donated microwave test equipment to The SETI League, enabling the establishment of a microwave circuit design laboratory for research into radio signals of possible intelligent extra-terrestrial origin. Eugene W. Niemiec, Merrimac's president, stated that the company is pleased to support the project, believing that SETI will eventually succeed and change the world.

Blind Physicist Honored as SETI Visionary

Dr. D. Kent Cullers, a NASA scientist who developed computer software for identifying alien microwave signals, has received the first annual Bruno Memorial Award from The SETI League, Inc. Cullers, who has been blind since birth, believes his sensitivity to detecting alien civilizations is equivalent to human sight. He notes the advancements in radio receivers and computers that make cosmic searches practical. The Bruno Award honors Giordano Bruno. Recent astronomical discoveries of exoplanets have increased hope for widespread life, but government support for SETI has declined, prompting scientists like Cullers to seek private funding. Cullers leads the SETI Institute's Project Phoenix.

FFTDSP Update

By Mike Cook, AF9Y. A new beta version of the FFTDSP program (FFTDSP41) is available for download. New features include WAV file playback for spectral analysis, automatic color gradient, integration mode for signal detection below noise, mouse point and click for selective recording, on-screen Moon position and TOD tracking, True S/N bar graph, selective area and mode for S/N display, display smoothing filters, zoom in/out for frequency coverage, improved graphics interface, and a "Find Call" feature. The article explains "below the noise level" in weak signal detection, emphasizing channel bandwidth, frequency stability, and the benefits of integration for averaging down random noise. It suggests that compensation for doppler effects during integration is possible. Recommendations for program improvement are welcomed. The webpage is http://www.webcom.com/af9y and email is [email protected].

Project Argus Participant Survey Enclosed

A Project Argus Participant Survey form is included in the newsletter. The exhaustive all-sky survey is planned for Earth Day, April 21, 1996, with an initial handful of stations, aiming for 5000 participants worldwide within five years. To ensure meaningful coordination, members planning active observing are asked to fill out and return the survey. Preference for aiming coordinates will be given to those with the most restrictive constraints, following a "first come, first served" policy. Participation in Project Argus requires SETI League membership, as membership dues finance hardware and software development, the website, the SETI hotline, and publications.

SETI League Equipment Exchange

The SETI League is facilitating an equipment exchange for its members. Citizens are donating out-of-service satellite TV antennas, and members in need can request assistance. The exchange also covers buying, selling, or swapping other SETI-related equipment. Participation is limited to SETI League members.

Conference Calendar

This section lists upcoming conferences where SETI-related information will be presented, from February 1996 to August 1998. Locations include Framingham, MA; Montclair State University, NJ; Rye Brook, NY; Baltimore, MD; Catonsville, MD; Trenton, NJ; Little Ferry, NJ; Glenfield Planetarium, Montclair NJ; Somerset, NJ; Dayton, OH; New York, NY; Rochester, NY; San Francisco, CA; Trenton, NJ; Capri, Italy; Green Bank, WV; Bloomington, MN; College Park, MD; Bowie, MD; Vernon, CT; Anaheim, CA; Peoria, IL; Horsham, PA; Hot Springs, AR; San Antonio, TX; and Baltimore, MD.

Editorial: Planets, Planets Everywhere

By H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director. This editorial discusses the fundamental assumption in SETI research regarding the abundance of habitable extra-solar planets. It notes that recent discoveries, starting in 1994, have confirmed the existence of planetary systems around Sun-like stars, with new systems being discovered frequently. The article highlights that three recent discoveries involved G-class stars similar to our Sun, suggesting that planets around such stars might be commonplace. The potential for liquid water on one of these planets is mentioned as simplifying the process for life's development. While these discoveries do not guarantee SETI success, they significantly increase the values in the Drake Equation, encouraging continued searching. The editorial concludes with the equation N = R* np fe fj fi fc L.

Who's Who in The SETI League

This section lists the key personnel of The SETI League, including Founder and President Richard C. Factor, Executive Director H. Paul Shuch, Secretary Diana Davidson, Treasurer Martin Schreiber, Administrator A. Heather Wood, Registered Agent Marc Arnold, and Trustees Marc Arnold, Richard Factor, and Martin Schreiber. It also lists the Advisory Board members: Anthony Agnello, Poul Anderson, Arthur C. Clarke, CBE, Robert S. Dixon, Ph.D., Frank D. Drake, Ph.D., Malcolm I. Raff, Ph.D., and Clifford Stoll, Ph.D.

SETI League Memberships Make Great Gifts!

This section details various membership levels for The SETI League, including Household, Scholarship, Full Member, Life Member, Patron, Director, and Benefactor, with corresponding prices and benefits. It also lists "SETI League Goodies" available for purchase, such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, pocket protectors, buttons, the "Sing a Song of SETI" songbook, and the SETI League Technical Manual.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the advancement of SETI research through technical development (Project Argus, FFTDSP, Technical Manual), the importance of community and membership support (SETICon I, Equipment Exchange, Membership drives), and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence fueled by scientific discoveries (exoplanets). The editorial stance, as expressed by H. Paul Shuch, is optimistic about the prospects for SETI, particularly in light of new evidence for exoplanets, while emphasizing the need for continued research and private funding in the face of waning government support. There is a strong emphasis on honoring pioneers in the field, such as Barney Oliver.