SearchLites - Vol 03 No 3

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 3, Number 3, Summer 1997. This issue of the quarterly newsletter from The SETI League, Inc. focuses on organizational news, upcoming events, and technical articles related to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.

Key Articles and Features

SETI League Extends Director's Contract

The lead story announces that H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director of The SETI League, has signed a five-year contract extension. This allows him to continue leading the non-profit organization dedicated to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. Richard Factor, president, praised Shuch's vision and contributions, including conceiving Project Argus. Shuch, a tenured professor, resigned his academic post to devote full energies to SETI, citing the leadership role as the most exciting accomplishment of his career.

Conference Calendar

This section lists numerous SETI-related conferences and events scheduled from July 1997 through September 1999, across the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia. It encourages readers to check the SETI League's website for more details and to submit information about upcoming events.

Guest Editorial: Spaceships, SETI, and Public Perceptions

By Larry Klaes, this editorial contrasts public perceptions of extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI), often influenced by sensationalism like the Heaven's Gate cult's belief in alien spaceships, with the scientific realities of the vast universe. Klaes argues that interstellar travel is extremely challenging and that ETI are unlikely to visit Earth in large numbers. He advocates for SETI's approach of using radio and optical telescopes as a more feasible method for detecting and communicating with ETI, emphasizing that public understanding of these realities is crucial for supporting SETI efforts.

Director To Address European Radio Astronomy Congress

Dr. H. Paul Shuch was selected as a featured speaker at the First European Radio Astronomy Congress in Heppheim, Germany, in September 1997. The article highlights The SETI League's mission to 'privatize research' previously conducted by NASA and mentions its growing membership, particularly in Europe. Shuch aims to foster collaboration and attract more European radio amateurs.

Hardware Corner: Receiver Options Multiply

This article discusses several alternative microwave downconverters that can shift interesting radio astronomy frequencies to a lower spectrum for reception by existing short-wave or VHF ham receivers. It details units from SSB Electronic (Germany), Radio Astronomy Supplies (USA), and a new prototype from Down East Microwave (USA), noting their specifications and pricing.

Radio Amateur Honored by SETI League

Daniel Boyd Fox, an Indiana radio amateur, received the second annual Bruno Memorial Award for his contributions to Project Argus. Fox developed a radio telescope block diagram and built one of the first amateur listening stations. He also detected a candidate signal and developed the SetiFox computer program. The award honors Giordano Bruno and highlights the continued importance of amateur efforts in SETI research, especially as government support has waned.

Ask Dr. SETI

This Q&A section addresses technical questions from readers. LM asks about multipole stripline bandpass filters and calculating stripline inductors/capacitors for amplifiers. Dr. SETI provides detailed responses, referencing experts and resources. B.C. inquires about broad scientific investigations into ETI beyond microwave surveys, to which Dr. SETI responds that while broad studies are interesting, current funded SETI efforts are primarily microwave-based, but all related phenomena are respected.

SETI League Welcomes 500th Member

Wayne Thresher from New Zealand is recognized as the 500th member of The SETI League. Thresher, who heads the Pohangina Valley Radio Astronomy and Barbeque Club, shares his enthusiasm for searching for life on other worlds and emphasizes the importance of amateur participation in this endeavor.

Technical Feature: Detection of the Mars Global Surveyor Satellite Beacon

By Mike Cook, AF9Y, this article details a NASA experiment in late 1996 where amateur SETI stations participated in detecting a 1-watt beacon signal from the Mars Global Surveyor satellite. Cook describes the experiment's key factors, his receiving system (two low-cost antennas, a receive system, and FFTDSP software), and the successful detection of the signal. He notes the challenge of detecting the MGS signal when it is in orbit around Mars.

Web Awards Accumulate

This brief section highlights the SETI League's award-winning website and encourages readers to visit it.

Meeting Minutes Online

Information is provided on where to find the official minutes of The SETI League's third annual Membership Meeting online or in printed form.

Membership and Contributions

The back pages provide details on various membership levels, including options for gifts, and lists additional contributions that earn membership premiums, such as T-shirts, mugs, and books. It also includes a form for credit card payments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the growth and activities of The SETI League, the importance of amateur contributions to SETI research, and the scientific approach to searching for extraterrestrial intelligence versus sensationalized public perceptions. The editorial stance consistently promotes SETI as a vital scientific endeavor, emphasizing its educational and non-profit nature, and advocating for continued public support and participation, particularly through amateur radio and observational efforts.