SearchLites - Vol 07 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 7 No. 3
Date: Summer 2001
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Document Type: Quarterly Newsletter

Postcards from Beyond

This lead article introduces a new initiative by The SETI League, Inc., to act as a QSL Manager for extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). Building on the tradition of amateur radio operators exchanging QSL cards to confirm contacts, The SETI League will now issue special cards to commemorate confirmed reception of various extra-terrestrial signals, including manmade, natural, and potentially alien transmissions. To be eligible, reception must be accomplished with equipment suitable for radio astronomy. Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director of The SETI League, expresses enthusiasm for this program, stating that while many amateurs can receive signals, the ultimate goal is a confirmed transmission from cosmic companions, for which they are prepared to issue a special QSL card.

Amateur radio astronomers interested in obtaining a QSL card are instructed to send reception reports (date, time, frequency, coordinates, nature, and origin of signal) to SETI League headquarters, along with a stamped, self-addressed business-size envelope. They must specify whether the signal was natural, manmade, or alien, and be prepared to justify claims of alien origin. International requests require two International Reply Coupons.

The article also touches upon the privatization of SETI research following the termination of NASA's SETI funding in 1993. It encourages interested experimenters and citizens to support the search by visiting The SETI League's website, emailing, faxing, or contacting their membership hotline. The SETI League is described as a membership-supported, non-profit [501(c)(3)], educational, and scientific corporation dedicated to the electromagnetic Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence.

Moonbounce Beacon Operational

This section reports on the operational status of The SETI League's Moonbounce Beacon, which became operational in March 2001. Located in Little Ferry, NJ, the beacon transmits on 1296.000 MHz, using the callsign W2ETI. Its purpose is to provide a stable reference signal for testing Earth-based radio telescopes, enabling amateur and professional radio astronomers to calibrate their receiving systems. The beacon's first 'shakedown' involved providing a signal for scientists at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, who used it in conjunction with the Project Phoenix targeted search for extraterrestrial intelligence. This beacon replaces the weaker signal previously provided by the Pioneer 10 spacecraft, which is now too distant and weak to be received. Astronomer Seth Shostak of the SETI Institute confirmed the reception of the beacon's signal, noting its weakness and slow drift in frequency due to the Doppler shift caused by the Moon's motion.

The article highlights the collective efforts of The SETI League's over 1200 members in 60 countries, who have assembled over 100 small radio telescopes from discarded satellite TV dishes. These telescopes are traditionally used for studying natural astrophysical phenomena but are also applied in SETI to identify artificial radiation from other technological civilizations. The moonbounce beacon's signal helps confirm the proper operation of these instruments.

European Amateur Receives Bruno Award

This article announces that Peter Wright, licensed as amateur radio operator DJ0BI in Germany, has been awarded The SETI League's Giordano Bruno Memorial Award. Wright, originally from Scotland, founded the European Radio Astronomy Club and has been instrumental in promoting amateur radio astronomy and SETI in Europe. He publishes 'The European Bit' newsletter and chaired the first two European Radio Astronomy Congresses. Wright also built the radio telescope for the ERAC club station, participated in Project Argus, and served as a SETI League Regional Coordinator.

The Giordano Bruno Memorial Award is given annually for significant contributions to SETI and is dedicated to Giordano Bruno, an Italian monk executed for postulating the multiplicity of inhabited worlds. Past recipients include prominent figures in physics and amateur radio astronomy.

Guest Editorial: Communicating Across SETI Time

Valdemar Phoenix, KG2PM, presents a guest editorial discussing the concept of 'SETI time,' which relates the speed of light to the time it takes for signals to travel across vast cosmic distances. The editorial argues that while we may detect signals from advanced extraterrestrial civilizations, direct two-way communication is unlikely due to the immense time delays involved. A signal from 100 light years away means the originating civilization is 100 years more advanced, and a signal from 100,000 light years implies a civilization 100,000 years more advanced, placing us in the 'Dark Ages' by comparison. The author suggests that SETI efforts should perhaps focus on targets within 100 light years, and that 'listening' might be the most realistic form of interaction, akin to an 'archeology of advanced technological civilizations.'

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI and radio astronomy, providing dates and locations. These include the Trenton Computer Festival, Dayton Hamvention, Balticon, various SARA conferences, and Microwave Update events, spanning from May 2001 to April 2004.

SETI League Introduces New Operating Award

The SETI League announces the Extra-Terrestrial Century Club (ETCC) award program, designed to promote excellence in radio astronomy and SETI. This program, similar to awards from the American Radio Relay League, recognizes confirmed reception of a significant number of distinct extra-terrestrial radio sources. Eligibility is open to SETI League members and non-members alike. Initial awards are for five unique sources, with endorsements for ten, fifteen, twenty-five, fifty, and one hundred sources. Categories include Natural, Human, Moonbounce, and Alien. Successful ET radio detections must be evidenced by valid Extra-Terrestrial QSL Cards issued by The SETI League. An administrative fee of $10 for US applicants and $15 for non-US applicants is required for each award or endorsement. The section also includes a warning against fraudulent claims and outlines the interpretation of rules and response times.

SETI League Thanks Prize Donors

This article acknowledges the generosity of various SETI League members, vendors, and organizations who contributed prizes for the first Awards Banquet and SETICon01 Technical Symposium and Annual Meeting. Prizes included a WiNRADIO 1550e receiver, a 1420 MHz Weak Signal Source, a 1420 MHz Cylindrical Feedhorn, and various books and software. The SETI League encourages members to patronize these donors and to send them letters of thanks.

SETICon01 Proceedings Now Available

The proceedings of SETICon01, The SETI League's first Technical Symposium, have been compiled and published by the American Radio Relay League. The publication, part of the Radio Amateur's Library, includes papers on various SETI-related topics, such as welcome addresses, proclamations, award ceremonies, Project Argus, optical SETI, radio telescope calculations, and more. Copies are available for purchase from SETI League headquarters.

SETI: The Amateurs Go For Pro DX

In this article, Prof. Philip Morrison discusses the role of amateurs in SETI, contrasting their efforts with those of professional astronomers. He emphasizes the importance of amateurs covering different parts of the sky and searching over extended periods ('time' being the most taxing dimension of signal space). Morrison suggests that amateurs can contribute by searching in 'corners' where professional dishes do not often look and by repeating observations. He proposes specific targets for amateur searches, including binary stars, globular clusters, galaxies of the Local Group, new stars, the Galactic Center, and exoplanets. He also reflects on the 'time dimension' of life and the universe, noting the vast age of Earth and the relatively short history of radio astronomy and human civilization.

OTA (summarizing on-the-air Ham Radio activities)

Moonbounce Report: This section provides technical details for members attempting to receive the SETI League's Lunar Reflective Calibration Beacon, including its location, frequency, power, and sensitivity requirements for typical Project Argus stations. It notes the beacon's continuous operation whenever the Moon is visible.

April QSO Party: This report details the results of the SETI League Ham Radio QSO Party, which was largely unsuccessful due to high levels of noise and poor propagation conditions caused by intense solar activity. Several participating members reported hearing little or nothing, with comments highlighting the adverse effects of solar events on radio communication.

Memberships Make Great Gifts!

This section outlines the various membership levels offered by The SETI League, Inc., including Full Member, Supporting Member, Scholarship Member, and Household Member options, along with their respective costs. It also lists available membership premiums, such as T-shirts, mouse pads, and pocket protectors, with prices for US and other addresses. A 'SETI Nerd Gift Set' is also offered at a discounted price for members.

Pleased to Accept Credit Cards

This section provides instructions for members wishing to pay their dues and contributions via Visa or MasterCard, including a form to fill out with card details and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the practical aspects of SETI, including amateur participation, technological advancements (like the moonbounce beacon), recognition programs (ETCC award, Bruno Award), and the challenges of interstellar communication across vast distances ('SETI time'). The SETI League positions itself as a grassroots, membership-supported organization dedicated to privatizing and advancing SETI research, encouraging broad participation from amateur radio operators and enthusiasts. The editorial stance is one of persistent, collaborative effort in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, acknowledging both the scientific and hobbyist dimensions of SETI.