SearchLites - Vol 08 No 1

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 8, Number 1, Winter 2002, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc. The issue focuses on the organization's technological advancements, awards, and tributes to key figures in the field of SETI and science fiction.

SETI League is Served Up Dozens of Dishes

This article details a significant donation of 47 satellite TV dishes, feed assemblies, and antenna mounts from Lionel and Jason Lumaghini. This donation brings The SETI League closer to realizing its long-planned phased array telescope design, Array2k. The Array2k project aims to combine multiple standard satellite TV antennas into a single, powerful radio telescope, offering a more modest but technologically audacious approach compared to larger projects like the Allen Telescope Array. The donation is valued for its commercial-grade antennas and support hardware, which will allow SETI League engineers to test design concepts and eventually assemble the Array2k system. The article quotes donor Jason Lumaghini and SETI League Executive Director Dr. H. Paul Shuch, who notes that while the dishes are smaller than initially envisioned, the cost savings will allow for the development of superior electronic circuitry. The SETI League's previous work with backyard dishes for SETI research, Project Argus, is also mentioned.

Announcing: The Orville N. Greene Service Award

The SETI League has established the Orville N. Greene Service Award to honor individuals who have made significant volunteer contributions or provided extraordinary service to the organization. The award, to be known as an OG, will consist of a plaque or trophy. Nominees must be members in good standing, and employees, officers, and trustees are ineligible during their terms of service. Nominating petitions require detailed descriptions of the nominee's contributions and must be received by January 1st annually. Judges appointed by the Trustees will give preferential consideration to dedicated amateurs. Awards will be presented at the SETI League's annual membership meeting or other designated forums. The Trustees reserve the right to present no award or multiple awards in any given year.

Remembering The SETI League's Co-Founder

This section provides a biographical tribute to Orville N. Greene, a co-founder of The SETI League. It highlights his early life in California, his career as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent Office, and his subsequent work as a patent attorney. Greene was instrumental in patenting new plastic concepts and developing ferrite memory cores, which were crucial for the development of early computers. He also co-authored "The Practical Inventor's Handbook" and entered the music business, co-founding a company that manufactured professional audio equipment, which later became Eventide Inc. In 1994, he co-founded The SETI League with Richard Factor. The article also mentions his service on the Board of Visitors for the Otisville State Training School for Boys and the Manhattan Psychiatric Center.

Science, Technology and Mind in Future Communication

This article by Prof. Alex Antonites discusses the challenges of communication with extraterrestrial civilizations. It addresses the anthropocentric argument that divergent evolutionary paths would make communication impossible. Antonites argues that while cultural and biological differences exist, there are also universals, such as science and technology, which operate under basic rules of rationality and objectivity. He posits that logic and mathematics are universal and not solely dependent on biological brain states. The article suggests that SETI is a valid search because of these potential universals and the convergent nature of evolution.

Tutorial: What Is the Water-Hole?

Authored by H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D., this tutorial explains the 'Cosmic Water-Hole' concept in radio astronomy. The electromagnetic spectrum is described as noisy due to natural sources like galactic noise and the Big Bang's residual radiation. The 'Microwave Window' (1-10 GHz) is identified as a relatively clear region. The Hydrogen Line (1420 MHz) and Hydroxyl Lines (1660 MHz) are highlighted as key markers within this window, representing the disassociation products of water. Dr. Bernard M. Oliver hypothesized that this region would be a logical place for extraterrestrial civilizations to communicate. The SETI League, along with other organizations, focuses resources on this region in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Guest Editorial: Are We Ready for Contact?

Prof. Peter Schenkel questions whether humanity is prepared for contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. He notes that while many SETI enthusiasts believe intelligent beings exist, he wonders how aliens would perceive our civilization, which is beset by violence and crisis. Schenkel suggests that contact might be better if it occurred when humanity had achieved a more peaceful and ethical order. He also points out the lukewarm, and sometimes hostile, reception to SETI by national and international establishments. The article calls for broader support for SETI from various sectors to ensure adequate international attention and safe contact procedures are agreed upon before contact is achieved, referencing a scenario from his science-fiction novel.

Cyclops Errata Updated

This brief note announces that an updated Errata sheet for the Project Cyclops report is available online and can be obtained by mail. Dr. Larry Lesyna is coordinating the compilation of corrections.

Big Dish, Test Equipment Offered for Sale

Dr. Rachel Tortolini, SETI League Hawaii regional coordinator, is offering her entire SETI station, including a 30-foot dish and microwave test equipment, for sale. She hopes the equipment will find a good home with another SETI League member.

SETICon02 Tech Symposium Plans Take Shape

This announcement details the upcoming SETICon02 Technical Symposium, expanding to three days from April 26-28, 2002, at The College of New Jersey. The event will include a keynote speaker, technical presentations, social events, an awards banquet, and the SETI League's Annual Meeting and Board of Trustees Meeting. Details are available on the SETI League website, and registration forms will be mailed.

Array2k Project Update

This update provides further details on the Array2k project, emphasizing its development as a cost-effective alternative to large radio telescopes. It reiterates that Array2k will combine 16 or more standard satellite TV antennas and operate in five distinct modes. The project aims to support individual SETI League members' efforts, conduct direct astronomical research, and serve as a test-bed for future technologies. The article mentions the donation of a site and 47 six-foot dishes and mounts, and outlines the need to raise $160,000 US for hardware, plus additional funds for operations. A donor has pledged to match contributions up to $50,000 US.

SETI League Wins Two Technology Achievement Awards

This article reports that The SETI League received two Technology Achievement Awards from the Central PA Chambers of Commerce on October 19, 2001. The Lunar Reflective Calibration Beacon for Radio Astronomy won Second Place in "Best Application of Technology," and Array2k: Phasing Multiple Antennas for a Next-Generation Radio Telescope received Second Place for "New Technology Project." Dr. H. Paul Shuch accepted the awards. The Moonbounce Beacon is described as a tool for amateur radio operators to test and calibrate radio telescopes, funded in part by a NASA grant. The Array2k design is presented as the next generation of astrophysical research tools, with a prototype under construction in Cogan Station, PA. Shuch's history in developing the world's first commercial home satellite TV receiver and pioneering backyard satellite dishes for radio astronomy is also mentioned.

Memberships Make Great Gifts!

This section provides a price list for various SETI League membership levels, including Full Member, Supporting Member, Scholarship Member, and Household Member options. It also lists membership premiums available for purchase, such as T-shirts, mouse pads, pocket protectors, and various publications like "Proceedings of SETICon01" and "Project Cyclops 2nd Edition." The SETI Nerd Gift Set is offered at a discount for members. Postage costs for premiums are specified for US and other addresses.

Pleased to Accept Credit Cards

This section encourages members to pay their dues and contributions via Visa or MasterCard, providing a form to fill out with card details, contact information, and contribution amount.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the advancement of SETI technology (Array2k, dish donations), the recognition of contributions through awards (Orville N. Greene Service Award), and the celebration of individuals who have significantly impacted the field (Poul Anderson, Orville N. Greene). The SETI League's commitment to community-driven research and technological innovation is evident. The editorial stance appears to be one of proactive engagement in SETI research, emphasizing both technological development and the importance of humanistic considerations in the context of potential extraterrestrial contact. The newsletter also serves as a platform for event announcements and educational content, such as the 'Water-Hole' tutorial.