SearchLites - Vol 06 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 6 No. 4, Autumn 2000
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Country: USA
ISSN: 1096-5599
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SearchLites, the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc., is dedicated to the memory of SETI pioneer Prof. Jean Heidmann. It explores various facets of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and Communication with Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CETI).

From SETI to CETI by Poul Anderson

Poul Anderson, a member of the SETI League Advisory Board, shares his experience at the annual Contact conference. He highlights Seth Shostak's emphasis that serious SETI work must first identify the carrier wave, then decode the signal, which is a complex process. Anderson notes that signals are likely the only signs of ETI we will ever find, as energy efficiency advances diminish other forms of detectable radiation. He discusses Allen Tough's Internet posting for finding ETI and the challenges of comprehension and communication once contact is made, drawing parallels to historical encounters but noting the greater difficulties with alien species. A simulation at the Contact conference illustrated the difficulty of understanding alien messages even when they knew the aliens were machines and had learned English. Anderson concludes that successful SETI will lead to CETI, a process that could span centuries, potentially becoming an organization akin to a church.

SETI in the Twenty-First Century by John Wells

John Wells discusses the ongoing quest to understand life beyond Earth and the scientific research driving it. He traces the history of SETI from the 1959 paper by Morrison and Cocconi to Frank Drake's Project Ozma and the Drake Equation. Wells projects that by 2010, many factors of the Drake Equation will be better understood due to advancements in technology and space missions. He details each factor (R*, Fp, Ne, Fl, Fi, Fc, L) and provides current best guesses and projected error boxes for 2010. Key areas of development include detecting extrasolar planets and biospheres, understanding the origin and abundance of life, and defining intelligence. The article emphasizes that while SETI research may face skepticism or increased funding based on discoveries, advancements in space travel and instruments will significantly impact our understanding of life in the galaxy.

Book Review: Life On Other Worlds And How To Find It, by Stuart Clark

Reviewed by H. Paul Shuch for New Scientist magazine, this review discusses Stuart Clark's book, which explores the knowledge required to search for life beyond Earth. The book covers cosmic evolution, the emergence of life, and the definition of hospitable environments, portraying Earth as common. It then delves into the historical and contemporary searches for life, including within our solar system and for extrasolar planets. Clark also defines intelligence and its role in evolution, introducing the Drake Equation. The review highlights the chapter on SETI, discussing communication efforts from Gauss to modern radio and optical searches, and addressing public suspicion and government cover-ups. Clark's discussion of the Fermi Paradox and potential explanations for the lack of evidence is noted. The reviewer praises the book's clarity and scholarly approach, while pointing out a minor factual error regarding a claimed signal detection hoax. The review concludes by quoting astronomer Patrick Moore's high praise for the book.

Dayton, You Honor Us All by H. Paul Shuch

Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director of The SETI League, delivers his acceptance speech for the Dayton Hamvention Technical Excellence Award. He reflects on pivotal moments in his youth, including obtaining his ham radio license, taking his first flying lesson, and the launch of OSCAR I, which inspired his career goals. Shuch recounts his journey through the amateur satellite community and his aspirations to become an aerospace engineer, astronaut, and Nobel laureate. He acknowledges that while marginal eyesight prevented him from becoming an astronaut, his experiences, particularly with ham radio, have been invaluable. He expresses gratitude to his mentors and the nearly 1200 members of The SETI League, emphasizing that ham radio has made The SETI League possible and shaped his life.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI, including the Chicon 2000 World Science Fiction Convention, European Radio Astronomy Club conventions, Microwave Update events, International Astronautical Congress, and various SETI-specific conferences and meetings through 2002.

Searching for Alien Beacons by Gregory Benford

Gregory Benford, from the SETI Institute, discusses Project Phoenix's targeted SETI effort and the challenges of finding signals in a vast galaxy. He proposes a strategy of looking for powerful 'beacons' from potentially wealthy, advanced civilizations, possibly located near the galactic center. Benford explains that the density of stars and the history of star formation near the center suggest a higher probability for the development of life and intelligence. He advocates for listening in a narrow angle towards Sagittarius, considering that such civilizations might broadcast for a day once a year. Benford also touches upon the Fermi Paradox and the idea of 'funeral pyre' beacons left by ancient societies. He notes the increasing affordability of broadcasting messages into space.

Software Corner: SETIFox for Win9x by Dan Fox

Dan Fox, SETI League Software Committee Chairman, introduces SETIFox, a suite of four shareware programs for SETI data analysis and station control. The programs include a Configuration Utility, Doppler Detection Program, Data Extraction Utility, and Scanning Power Logging Program. These tools are designed to operate in Windows95/98/NT/2000 environments and assist users in analyzing radio signals and controlling equipment. The software is available for download.

Hardware Corner: Another Icom R8500 AGC Mod by Norm White

Norm White provides a modification for the Icom R8500 receiver to disable the AGC externally. He details the use of a Toko TO92 regulator (TK11625) to overcome the weak voltage source of the AGC driver. The modification involves plugging a driver into the AGC RCA phono jack on the back of the receiver. A schematic diagram of the modification is included.

Keeping Score and Membership Information

This section provides statistics on The SETI League's membership, including the total number of members, countries represented, Project Argus stations, and regional coordinators. It also includes information on how to pay membership dues and contributions via Visa or MasterCard, and lists various membership premiums available for purchase.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing efforts and future prospects of SETI and CETI. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific methodology, technological advancements, and the challenges involved in detecting and communicating with extraterrestrial intelligence. The role of amateur radio operators and organizations like The SETI League is highlighted as crucial to these endeavors. The editorial stance appears to be one of persistent scientific inquiry, optimism tempered with realism, and a belief in the importance of continued research into fundamental questions about life in the universe. The dedication of the issue to Prof. Jean Heidmann underscores the magazine's commitment to honoring pioneers in the field.