SearchLites

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 8, Number 2, Spring 2002, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc. This issue is a "Special SETICon02 Issue," dedicated to the upcoming SETICon02 Technical Symposium, Awards Banquet, Annual Meeting, and Board of Trustees Meeting.

SETICon02: The Event

The SETICon02 event is scheduled to take place from April 26 to 28, 2002, at The College of New Jersey in Ewing Township (Trenton area), NJ. The Technical Symposium will run from Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. The SETI League Awards Banquet, featuring a keynote speaker and door prizes, is planned for Saturday evening. The Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Sunday morning, followed by the annual Trustees Meeting. Professor Allen Katz is credited with securing the campus facilities.

This special issue is being sent to current SETI League members, past members with valid addresses, and those who supported the previous year's symposium. The organizers hope to expand the event's reach compared to SETICon01, which was attended by a small group.

Keynote and Banquet Speakers

Esteemed astronomer and historian Steven J. Dick will deliver the keynote address on "SETI and the Post-Biological Universe" on Friday, April 26, 2002. Dr. Dick has an extensive background in astrophysics and the history of science, with numerous publications and awards. He has worked at the U.S. Naval Observatory since 1979 and has been involved in significant NASA initiatives.

Distinguished astronomer Chandra Wickramasinghe will be the Banquet Speaker. He will speak on "Why Alien Intelligence May Not Be So Alien" after the Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 27, 2002. Dr. Wickramasinghe is known for his pioneering work on cosmic dust and the theory of cosmic life, co-proposed with Sir Fred Hoyle. His work suggests that alien intelligence might not be as alien as commonly perceived, potentially making ETI-human communication more feasible.

Event Schedule and Program Details

The newsletter provides a detailed schedule for SETICon02:

• Friday, April 26, 2002: Registration, Keynote Address by Dr. Steven J. Dick, Optical SETI Workshop, and Dinner Break at Armstrong Hall, The College of New Jersey. Hospitality Suite at Hampton Inn, Yardley PA.
• Saturday, April 27, 2002: Registration, Microwave SETI Workshop, Lunch Break, and Fresh Approaches Workshop at Armstrong Hall. The SETI League Awards Banquet will be held at the Campus Center. Hospitality Suite at Hampton Inn, Yardley PA.
• Sunday, April 28, 2002: Volunteer Coordinators Breakfast, SETI League Annual Meeting, and Board of Trustees Meeting at Armstrong Hall.

Registration and Fees

Pre-registration for the SETICon02 Technical Symposium is $40 US for SETI League members and $90 US for non-members if received by March 31, 2002. After this date, registration fees will increase by $10 US. The fee includes one copy of the conference proceedings, admission to hospitality suites, and refreshments. Tickets for the Awards Banquet are $30 US each and must be ordered in advance. Additional copies of the proceedings can be purchased for $20 US.

Lodging and Transportation

The official conference hotel is the Hampton Inn and Suites Newtown, with a special rate of $99 per night plus tax for attendees. Reservations must be made by March 24, 2002. Alternative lodging options in the Trenton area are also listed. Transportation to the venue can be arranged via rental cars from Philadelphia International Airport, train service to Trenton, and various taxi and limousine services. Carpooling between the hotel and campus is encouraged.

Membership and Support

The newsletter includes information on various membership levels, from Full Member ($50) to Benefactor ($1,000,000), with benefits such as subscriptions to SearchLites and other premiums. It also lists options for ordering membership premiums like T-shirts, mouse pads, and books. Payments can be made by check or credit card. The SETI League, Inc. is a non-profit [501(c)(3)] organization dedicated to the electromagnetic search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence.

Event Horizon and Other Announcements

An "Event Horizon" section lists numerous upcoming conferences and events related to SETI, astronomy, and science fiction throughout 2002 and 2003, including various VHF conferences, ham radio QSO parties, and major conventions like World Space Congress and World Science Fiction Conventions.

The "Door Prizes" section mentions that Milan Hudecek has arranged for a WinRadio receiver to be awarded as the Grand Prize, donated by his employer, Rosetta Labs of Australia. Other potential prize donors are encouraged to contact Dr. H. Paul Shuch.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme of this issue is the promotion and organization of SETICon02, highlighting its importance as a platform for technical discussion, networking, and recognition within the SETI community. The editorial stance is one of enthusiastic encouragement for member participation and support, emphasizing the educational and scientific mission of The SETI League, Inc. The newsletter also implicitly promotes the growth and engagement of the SETI community through its comprehensive event listings and membership drives.