SearchLites - Vol 04 No 3

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 4, Number 3, Summer 1998, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc., a nonprofit, membership-supported educational and scientific corporation dedicated to the electromagnetic Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence. The newsletter covers upcoming conferences, awards, editorial commentary, technical features, and reader questions.

English Volunteers Receive SETI League's 1998 Bruno Award

This article details the awarding of the Giordano Bruno Memorial Award to Ken Chattenton and Trevor Unsworth, two English radio amateurs who were instrumental in building SETI League activity in the United Kingdom. They volunteered their talents three years prior to help expand the organization, which was then a small US-based group. Their efforts led to significant growth in amateur SETI participation in the UK, making it the second-largest contingent globally. This model of local involvement formed the basis for the current SETI League volunteer Field Organization, now comprising about forty regional coordinators on six continents. The award was announced at the group's annual meeting in March, and presented on April 21, 1998, in Stockton-on-Tees, England.

Editorial: Where Are The SETI Police?

By H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director

H. Paul Shuch addresses the controversy surrounding The SETI League's policy that participants should not publicly disclose signal detections until independently verified. He explains that the policy is crucial for scientific rigor, citing the "Wow!" signal from Ohio State as an example of an unrepeatable event that cannot be considered proof. He draws a parallel to the "Cold Fusion" incident, where premature disclosure tarnished reputations. Shuch acknowledges concerns about personal liberties and fears of a "cover-up" but emphasizes that the League makes no proprietary claims and does not seek to restrict freedoms. Instead, the goal is to urge restraint and scientific rigor to prevent the organization from becoming a "laughingstock" and to ensure that real discoveries are taken seriously by the scientific mainstream.

Ask Dr. SETI

This section answers reader questions. Phil from Australia inquired about the required surface accuracy for a 3m dish and preferred materials (fiberglass vs. metal). The response explains that surface inaccuracies should not exceed a tenth of a wavelength at the operating frequency, providing examples for the hydrogen line (21 cm) and higher frequencies like 10 GHz and 24 GHz. It states that dish material matters less than RF reflectivity, with fiberglass dishes needing a metallized surface.

Jon, age 15, asked if humans are transmitting SETI signals, inspired by the movie "Contact." The response clarifies that humans have only transmitted once: the Arecibo Interstellar Message. It also touches upon the concept of "Project Ozma" and the "Water-Hole" frequency.

Chris from Florida asked about the hydrogen line and why RF transmissions are prohibited at this frequency. The answer explains that the hydrogen line (1420.40575 MHz) is the precession frequency of neutral hydrogen atoms, located in a quiet part of the radio spectrum. It was first detected by Ewen and Purcell in 1951. The frequency is protected because it's vital for observing the universe and mapping the Milky Way. In 1959, Morrison and Drake recognized its potential as a frequency for interstellar beacons, leading to "Project Ozma," a search for artificial signals.

Guest Editorial: A Two-Way Street

By Robert W. Casey

Casey argues that communication, by its nature, is a two-way street, and this principle will eventually apply to intra-galactic communication. He suggests that the selection of the "Water-Hole" frequency band for listening implies a reciprocal expectation of transmission. He posits that highly evolved intelligences would likely choose this band, common to biological life, for communication. Casey calls for The SETI League to take a leadership role in educating the public about SETI, overcoming fears of negative consequences, and developing preliminary parameters for Earth's first transmissions, potentially through an international conference.

Technical Feature: Kit Update

This section provides an update on efforts to create low-cost Water Hole receive systems for SETI League members. The project is divided into three phases: Phase I involves low-noise preamplifiers from Down East Microwave Inc., with kits starting at $75. Phase II focuses on a down-converter module, with SSB Electronic GmbH offering the UEK-21 model for 400 DM, and Down East Microwave Inc. offering a unit that shifts the hydrogen line to the 2-meter ham band, with kits at $135. Phase III covers improved feedhorn designs, offered commercially by Radio Astronomy Supplies.

Hollywood Focus: Contact's Oscar Nomination

By Larry Klaes

Klaes expresses disappointment that the film "Contact" received only one Oscar nomination (Best Sound) and did not receive nominations for Jodie Foster's performance or other categories. He contrasts this with "Men in Black," which received multiple nominations, and notes that while "Contact" was praised for its scientific accuracy, other alien-themed films like "The Fifth Element" and "Starship Troopers" were nominated for technical awards but lacked scientific rigor. He laments that the lack of broader recognition for "Contact" means less publicity for Carl Sagan's message. He questions the significance of the Best Sound nomination and encourages SETI League members to promote the film to others.

Dialog: The Secret of 70 Virginis

By H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director

Shuch addresses a persistent internet rumor that SETI has received radio signals from 70 Virginis, a star known to have a planet. He reproduces an email dialog with a SETI League member to clarify the situation. Shuch explains that while SERENDIP (Search for Extraterrestrial Radio Emissions from Nearby Planets and Intellect Demonstration) did look at 70 Virginis at 435 MHz, all detected signals were statistically consistent with background noise. He attributes the rumor to a journalist taking a comment out of context. He clarifies that SETI candidate signals are usually too broad to be associated with a single star, and thus SETI does not typically provide input to planet hunters. However, when planets are confirmed, SETI does review past data or conduct new searches in that region. Shuch also explains how anomalous signals are identified as noise, using the analogy of TV static, and reiterates that no signals, only noise, were detected from 70 Virginis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific process in SETI, emphasizing the importance of verification, peer review, and avoiding premature announcements. The SETI League positions itself as a facilitator of amateur participation in SETI research, providing technical resources and guidance while advocating for scientific rigor. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and a commitment to promoting accurate scientific understanding, as seen in the editorial and the critique of Hollywood's portrayal of SETI. The newsletter also highlights the global nature of SETI efforts and the role of volunteers in expanding the reach of the organization. The editorial stance is one of encouraging responsible scientific inquiry and public engagement with the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.