SearchLites - Vol 05 No 1

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 5, Number 1, Winter 1999, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc. This issue is dedicated to practical aspects of SETI, including hardware modifications, amateur involvement, and the scientific and philosophical considerations of searching for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Conference Calendar

The issue begins with a conference calendar listing various SETI and astronomy-related events from January 1999 through February 2001, with many entries marked as confirmed SETI League participation.

Introducing: Our Volunteer Coordinator for Finland

This section introduces Michael Fletcher, the SETI League's new volunteer coordinator for Finland. Fletcher, born in England and now based in Finland, has a strong background in microwave engineering and a passion for SETI. He has participated in constructing a 10 GHz payload for the Phase III D amateur satellite and has built various microwave systems. He offers his expertise and extensive laboratory facilities to assist with RF and microwave hardware construction and alignment for SETI projects.

Hardware Corner: Disabling AGC in the ICOM R-8500 Receiver

Authored by Rich Tyndall (NJ1A), this section provides detailed instructions for disabling the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) circuit in the Icom R-8500 scanning microwave receiver. The modification involves removing a specific chip capacitor (C-114) on the main board, which will void the receiver's warranty and render the S-meter inoperative. The article includes a step-by-step guide for the modification and reassembly, along with a warning about static electricity and the need to understand the instructions thoroughly.

Addendum: Adding an AGC Switch

Chris Dapples (KF7KN) offers an addendum to the previous article, detailing how to install a toggle switch to allow the AGC function to be switched on and off as desired. This involves carefully soldering wires to specific points on the main circuit board and modifying the receiver case to accommodate the switch. The process is described with step-by-step instructions, including testing the functionality before final reassembly.

Guest Editorial: What Should We Tell the World?

Dr. Douglas A. Vakoch, Ph.D., discusses the profound impact that receiving a signal from extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) would have on humanity. He argues that understanding an alien civilization would lead to a re-evaluation of our own assumptions and potentially liberate our worldview. Vakoch emphasizes the ethical obligation of SETI scientists to communicate the potential impact of their search to the public and to foster an exploratory spirit. He believes that understanding ourselves and our place in the universe is a core human value that motivates SETI.

Rebuttal: Nobody Here But Us Earthlings?

Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director of The SETI League, responds to a letter by Guillermo Gonzales published in The Wall Street Journal. Gonzales argued for humanity's uniqueness, questioning why we are alone. Shuch counters that the lack of evidence does not prove absence and that there could be numerous reasons for not yet detecting ETI. He asserts that science requires investigating alternative hypotheses and that current searches are only scratching the surface. Shuch highlights the continuous improvement in computer power and search sensitivity, suggesting that future discoveries will lead to one of two conclusions: that we are not alone, or that we most likely are, both of which are profound.

Bruno Nominations Now Due

This section announces that nominations for the 1999 Giordano Bruno Memorial Award are due by January 1, 1999. The award honors significant contributions to SETI. The 1999 winner will be announced at the fifth Annual Meeting on March 28, 1999. Past recipients are listed, and nomination procedures are provided.

So You Want To "Get Into" SETI

This article, by Larry Klaes, explores the path to engaging with SETI, distinguishing between the dream of alien contact and the realities of the search. It addresses the vastness of the universe and the limitations of current technology for interstellar travel. Klaes discusses the scientific methods used in SETI, including listening for signals and searching for life within our solar system. The article outlines two primary routes: the professional and the amateur.

The Professional Route

This path emphasizes that most professional SETI researchers did not start their careers in SETI. It suggests obtaining degrees in astronomy, physics, computer science, biology, and chemistry, along with sociology, to understand the fundamentals of the universe, technology, life forms, and cultures. It highlights the need for advanced computer skills and the potential for careers in research, writing, or public outreach.

All Creatures Great and Small: Becoming an Exobiologist

This subsection discusses the search for non-intelligent extraterrestrial life, such as microbial life on Mars or potential aquatic life on Europa. It notes that exobiology is a developing field and requires a strong background in biology and chemistry. The discovery of potential microfossils in Martian meteorite ALH84001 is cited as an example of the excitement generated by finding extraterrestrial life.

The Amateur Route

This section details how serious amateur astronomers can conduct SETI searches with relatively modest equipment. It emphasizes the need for an interest in astronomy, knowledge of telescopes and computers, a suitable location, free time, and some financial resources. It acknowledges that SETI is not typically a casual hobby.

Amateur SETI Organizations: The Microwave Approach

The article highlights The SETI League as a key organization for amateurs interested in microwave SETI. Founded by Richard Factor in response to government funding cuts for NASA's SETI program, the organization aims to provide global sky coverage through amateur efforts. Their website offers extensive information on setting up radio telescopes for SETI.

The Optical Approach

This section introduces optical SETI, which searches for pulsed and continuous wave laser beacon signals in the visible and infrared spectrum. Dr. Stuart Kingsley of Ohio is mentioned as a leader in this field, having designed the Columbus Optical SETI Observatory. The article notes that optical telescopes are more common among amateurs, making this approach potentially more accessible.

Beyond Radio and Lasers

This brief section acknowledges that ETI might use communication techniques beyond radio and optical methods, but these are generally beyond current amateur and even professional capabilities.

Beyond the Observatory

This part suggests alternative ways to contribute to SETI without directly operating an observatory. These include writing about extraterrestrial life for periodicals and websites, explaining astrobiology and SETI to the public, and inspiring others to pursue careers in the field. The importance of enjoying the pursuit and maintaining a sense of wonder is stressed.

The Choice is Yours

This concluding section of the article reassures readers that the detailed information is not meant to discourage them but to provide a realistic understanding of SETI. It encourages pursuing SETI realistically and enjoying the endeavor, whether as a professional, an amateur, or an armchair enthusiast. The possibility of a future discovery is presented as a powerful motivator.

Ask Dr. SETI

This Q&A column addresses reader questions:

• Monty G. asks about the 'water hole' frequency: Dr. SETI explains that the term is poetic and refers to the interstellar hydrogen and hydroxyl lines in the microwave region, which are universal signposts for civilizations with radioastronomy.
• SB from Winston-Salem asks about small satellite dishes: Dr. SETI explains that Ku-band DBS dishes are generally not practical for SETI due to their smaller gain compared to C-band dishes. However, they have indirectly helped by making larger C-band dishes more available.
• Chris from The Suburbs asks about RFI: Dr. SETI acknowledges RFI is a problem in urban areas but suggests mitigation strategies including using a dish antenna, aiming it upwards, under-illuminating it, keeping it low, using filtering, and employing signal analysis software to ignore known RFI sources.
• JS asks about converting satellite TV equipment: Dr. SETI confirms that 4 GHz is a viable frequency but notes that satellite TV downconverters need significant modification for SETI's narrow FFT bins. He suggests Project BAMBI as an example of successful SETI using TVRO hardware.

Membership and Support Information

The final pages provide details on The SETI League's membership options, including full, supporting, scholarship, and household memberships, as well as life memberships and patron levels. It also lists various membership premiums and ordering information, including payment via Visa or MasterCard. The newsletter's publication details, including ISSN and copyright information, are also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the practicalities of amateur SETI, the importance of scientific rigor, and the philosophical implications of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance is one of encouraging participation in SETI at all levels, providing practical guidance, and fostering a sense of wonder and intellectual curiosity about humanity's place in the cosmos. The SETI League positions itself as a crucial organization supporting amateur efforts, especially in the wake of government funding cuts for professional SETI projects.