SearchLites - Vol 03 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Volume 3 Number 2
Date: Spring 1997
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Type: Quarterly Newsletter

This issue of SearchLites, the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc., focuses on the passing of Carl Sagan, the theological implications of SETI, technical aspects of SETI, and proposed protocols for responding to extraterrestrial signals.

The Darkest Day of the Year

This piece by Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director of The SETI League, serves as an obituary for Carl Sagan. Shuch reflects on Sagan's impact on the field of SETI, noting that Sagan made the search for extraterrestrial intelligence respectable and accessible to the public. Shuch recalls first encountering Sagan's work through his books, such as 'Intelligent Life in the Universe' and 'Dragons of Eden,' and later through his PBS TV series. He emphasizes Sagan's skill as a science popularizer and educator, stating that Sagan's ability to explain complex concepts without sacrificing accuracy made him a beloved figure, 'Dr. Science.' Shuch laments the void left by Sagan's death, comparing it to the dimming of the stars.

Guest Editorial: Theological Implications of SETI

Douglas A. Vakoch, Ph.D., from Vanderbilt University, explores the theological implications of the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). He argues that theological speculations are important for understanding how religious beliefs can influence SETI funding and how people might react to receiving a message from ETI. Vakoch discusses how theologians have historically used human-centric frameworks to imagine ETI, citing examples of Roman Catholic theologians. He also mentions Clifford J. Stevens' approach of understanding ETI through their own theologies and Father Theodore Hesburgh's view that SETI is a search for understanding God through His works. Krister Stendahl's perspective is also noted, suggesting SETI provides a means to gain perspective on humanity's place in the universe and avoid illusions of uniqueness.

Technical Feature: Care and Feeding of a SETI Dish

This section details improvements to the Project Argus prototype antenna. It suggests that adding a single choke ring around an existing feedhorn can improve overall system performance. A photograph illustrates this modification, and the design is noted to be available on the SETI League's website and commercially. The article also discusses accommodating dual feedhorns, which can be used for both SETI and satellite TV reception, by mounting one horn slightly offset from the dish's focal point.

Bequest Request

This section commemorates SETI pioneer Dr. Bernard M. Oliver, who passed away on Thanksgiving Day, 1995. Oliver bequeathed a significant sum to the SETI Institute, supporting Project Phoenix. The SETI League appeals to its members to consider making bequests to The SETI League to ensure its long-term viability, with funds to be applied to an endowment.

I Wanna Hold Your Hand

Dr. H. Paul Shuch addresses the challenges of coordinating participants in the Project Argus all-sky survey. He identifies two distinct camps: dedicated experimenters and rugged individualists. Shuch expresses high regard for individualists, acknowledging the historical need for SETI scientists to work in relative secrecy due to potential ridicule. He notes that while SETI is now more mainstream, some members still prefer to work independently. Shuch emphasizes the need for individualists to coordinate and share information to verify potential detections. He also addresses the needs of those who prefer more structured guidance, offering hand-holding while trying to balance the needs of both groups. Currently, with only 24 active stations, a laissez-faire approach to coordination is adopted, with members encouraged to build and scan as they see fit, documenting their efforts.

Conference Calendar

A list of upcoming conferences and meetings related to SETI is provided, with dates ranging from April 1997 to September 1999. Members are encouraged to check the SETI League's website or contact them for more details.

Ask Dr. SETI

Letter from J. L.: J. L. inquires if SETI can be considered a form of "Electromagnetic Archeology" and if it should be respected as such. The question is also raised about whether SETI might be listening in the wrong places, suggesting more attention should be paid to frequencies where high-power signals could escape an Earth-like atmosphere.

Doctor's Response: Dr. SETI confirms the "archeology analogy" is apt. Regarding listening locations, it's acknowledged that while there might be a "right" frequency, ignorance means there are no "wrong" ones. SETI League members are encouraged to scan the Water Hole and other interesting frequencies. The response also details the broad range of frequencies scanned by Project Phoenix receivers (1.2 to 3 GHz) and the 'Microwave Window' (1 to 10 GHz), noting that signals up to 100 GHz are viable outside Earth's atmosphere.

Letter from H. H., Tempe AZ: H. H. expresses skepticism about SETI, doubting the possibility of two-way communication due to vast distances and questioning whether alien messages could be understood given different evolutionary processes. The writer suggests SETI might be a search for a "father figure" to solve Earth's problems.

Doctor's Response: Dr. SETI agrees that two-way communication is unlikely but argues that simplex transmissions can still be valuable. The confirmation of other civilizations' existence is considered worth the price of admission, even without understanding the message. The writer prefers to think of aliens as "brother figures" or "distant cousins." The response also highlights photons as the fastest "spaceships" and their role in ham radio communications.

SETI Reply Protocols Proposed

This section reproduces nine principles from the International Academy of Astronautics' SETI Committee regarding sending communications to extraterrestrial intelligence. The SETI League supports compliance with verification protocols but finds the question of replying more controversial. Principle 8, which states that no communication should be sent without appropriate international consultation, is particularly debated, with some arguing it hinders amateur SETI efforts. The SETI League solicits opinions from its membership on this matter.

SETI Email Reflector Established

Bob Cutter (KI0G) has established an unmoderated SETI email reflector for members. This provides an additional communication medium while The SETI League works on developing its own listserv capability. Members are invited to subscribe by emailing 'subscribe seti' to [email protected].

Back Matter

The final pages include information on The SETI League's membership, including various levels of support and corresponding premiums. It also details how to pay membership dues and additional contributions via Visa or MasterCard, and provides contact information for The SETI League.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the legacy of Carl Sagan and his impact on SETI popularization, the intersection of SETI with theology and philosophy, the practical and technical aspects of conducting SETI searches, and the ongoing debate about protocols for interstellar communication. The SETI League's editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging broad participation in SETI, supporting amateur efforts, and fostering discussion on complex issues like interstellar communication protocols, while also acknowledging the scientific and organizational challenges involved.