SearchLites - Vol 06 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 6 No. 3
Date: Summer 2000
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Description: The Quarterly Journal of The SETI League, Inc., dedicated to the electromagnetic Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence.

Articles and Content

SETI, Just Beyond The Cutting Edge By Richard Hall, KF8ST

Richard Hall discusses the general philosophy of SETI and his plan to establish a Project Argus receiving station. He explores the "water hole" region (1420-1670 MHz) as a prime frequency band for communication due to the natural emission of neutral hydrogen. Hall also touches upon his past work with vacuum ultraviolet light and the potential for using modulated ultra-violet light for efficient information transmission, suggesting that SETI should follow this trend. He recounts an incident involving unexplained streaks of light observed from the Shuttle, speculating if they could have been communication between extraterrestrial probes. The article concludes by advocating for consideration of technologies beyond the current cutting edge for interstellar communications, noting that new satellites will enable observation of X-ray and ultraviolet emissions, and that ETI might already be communicating, but perhaps not on the expected frequencies.

Optical SETI Pioneer Receives 2000 Bruno Award

This article reports that Dr. Stuart Kingsley, a photonics engineer and director of the Columbus Optical SETI Observatory, has been awarded the Giordano Bruno Memorial Award for his pioneering work in Optical SETI (OSETI). For forty years, SETI has been dominated by microwave technology, but OSETI proponents, like Dr. Kingsley, argue that laser communication is equally likely. Kingsley has been running the world's longest-running optical SETI program since 1990 from his home observatory in Columbus, OH, searching for pulsed lasers from nearby stars. The article notes the growing acceptance of OSETI, with several ambitious projects launched at institutions like Harvard-Smithsonian and UC Berkeley. Dr. Kingsley chairs the SETI League's Optical SETI Committee.

OSETI Bruno Shows Vision By Dr. Stuart Kingsley

Dr. Stuart Kingsley expresses his gratitude for the Bruno Award and reflects on the increasing attention given to optical SETI. He notes that while opposition to OSETI has abated, many SETI-related publications still fail to mention the optical approach. Kingsley predicts that by 2010, extraterrestrial laser beacon signals may be discovered, and that by 2005, most SETI activities will be optical, with significant funding shifting to this area by 2010. He anticipates a substantial growth in The SETI League's membership, driven by amateur optical astronomers. The Columbus Optical SETI Observatory plans to make its data available online.

SETI League Director Receives Dayton Technical Award

Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director of The SETI League, Inc., has received the Dayton Amateur Radio Association's annual Technical Excellence Award for his contributions to microwave and space communications. Shuch, an amateur radio operator (N6TX), has been instrumental in the membership-supported SETI League. The award was presented at the Dayton Hamvention. The article details Shuch's extensive background in designing satellite TV receivers, weather satellite receivers, and his patents for aircraft radar systems. It also lists his numerous past honors and affiliations, including fellowships and advisory roles.

Guest Editorial: SETI and a New World Order By Peter Schenkel

Peter Schenkel, SETI League Regional Coordinator for Ecuador, argues that scientific research, including SETI, should bring tangible benefits to humanity. He posits that contact with a scientifically and organizationally superior extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) would be a blessing, helping to foster a peaceful global order and counteracting reactionary forces. Schenkel believes such contact would demonstrate that eternal peace is achievable and strengthen the cause of a rational and just global order, potentially averting future global disasters. He urges continued support for SETI efforts.

Book Review: Passport to the Cosmos By John E. Mack, reviewed by Albert A. Harrison, Ph.D.

This review discusses John Mack's book, "Passport to the Cosmos," which examines the alien abduction experience. The reviewer notes that the book, unlike Mack's earlier work, is organized topically rather than by case histories. It explores themes of cross-cultural material, human-alien breeding, and the psychological and cultural impact of abduction experiences. While acknowledging that the physical evidence may not satisfy scientific criteria, the reviewer suggests that these reports offer insights into human culture and psychology, and the emerging relationship between humans and the cosmos. The book is praised for its balanced approach and its attempt to interpret abduction reports within a broader framework.

Book Review: Contact: Are We Ready For It? By Peter Schenkel, reviewed by Kendrick Frazier, Editor, Skeptical Inquirer

This review covers Peter Schenkel's novel, "Contact: Are We Ready For It?", which explores the political, social, and ethical challenges of first contact with aliens. The reviewer notes that the novel focuses on these aspects rather than technology, and is written in a realistic style. The author, a political scientist, is commended for his handling of international political interactions and his understanding of irrationalism and media dynamics. The book is recommended for rationalists and skeptics.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings related to SETI and astronomy, including the ARRL National Convention, Society for Scientific Exploration meetings, Mensa gatherings, and various VHF conventions and science fiction conventions.

My Forty Years of SETI By Philip Morrison

Philip Morrison, a pioneer in SETI, reflects on his forty years in the field. He recounts his early involvement in proposing microwave searches for extraterrestrial intelligence in 1958, inspired by Giuseppe Cocconi. Morrison discusses the advantages of the microwave spectrum, particularly the 1420 MHz hydrogen line, and the improvements in technology, such as the increased power of computer processing, which have revolutionized SETI capabilities. He highlights the importance of systematic searches, mentioning Frank Drake's pioneering work at Green Bank. Morrison also touches upon the challenges of searching vast interstellar distances and the potential for optical and laser signals. He emphasizes the role of multiplicity and computational power, exemplified by SETI@home, in advancing the search. The article concludes by discussing the timescale of evolution and the likelihood of encountering civilizations that are either ahead of or behind our own technological level, urging continued efforts in SETI.

Andromeda Galaxy

This section discusses the challenges and possibilities of searching for signals from the Andromeda Galaxy, noting the vast distances involved and the long round-trip times for communication. It also touches upon the search for planets around nearby stars and the potential for detecting Earth-like planets in the future.

Looking for Peers

This section explores the concept of searching for extraterrestrial civilizations based on symmetry and the possibility of finding life on other planets. It suggests listening for centuries before considering transmission, given the cost and complexity of sending signals. The author reflects on the slow pace of human technological and societal development, arguing that a large population is necessary for such advancements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SearchLites revolve around the advancement of SETI research, particularly the growing importance of Optical SETI (OSETI) alongside traditional microwave methods. There is a strong emphasis on the role of The SETI League as a membership-supported organization driving privatized SETI efforts. The issue also touches upon the potential societal and global impacts of contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism, advocating for continued research, technological innovation, and a broad approach to SETI that considers various communication methods and potential targets. There's a clear encouragement for both professional and amateur participation in the search.