SearchLites - Vol 08 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 8 No. 3
Date: Summer 2002
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Document Type: Quarterly Newsletter

Guest Editorial: The Tennessee Valley Authority and SETI

David Madison, author of the guest editorial, passionately defends the use of TVA computers for the SETI@home program. He addresses an open letter to the Inspector General of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) regarding the decision to fire seventeen employees for using work computers to run SETI@home. Madison draws a parallel to Ferdinand Magellan's explorations, arguing that the potential discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence is of incalculable value, far exceeding earthly possessions. He emphasizes that SETI is a low-risk endeavor requiring only donated computer time, and that finding other civilizations could profoundly impact humanity's understanding of itself, race relations, and inalienable rights. He urges the TVA to reconsider its decision, encouraging participation in SETI@home and highlighting the visionary nature of those involved.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI and radio astronomy, including the Trenton Computer Festival, Dayton Hamvention, Balticon, SARA Conference, Bioastronomy '02, and various VHF and World Science Fiction conventions spanning from May 2002 to September 2004. It also includes dates for the SETI League's Ham Radio QSO Party and SETICon events.

Book Review: Tune In The Universe!

Reviewed by Bob Grove, W8JHD, this section covers "Tune In The Universe!" by Dr. H. Paul Shuch, N6TX. The book, available on CD-ROM, is described as a guide for radio amateurs on building and operating microwave earth receiving stations for SETI. It includes history, technical sections on system design, and a "memoir" department. The review highlights chapters like "Are we Alone?" and "Ask Dr. SETI," and notes that the book provides sources for equipment and accessories, with extensive tutorials. The CD-ROM is available for $24.95 from ARRL and also through The SETI League.

My Seven Years Before the Mast

By H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D., Executive Director of The SETI League, Inc. This personal narrative recounts Shuch's journey into SETI. He describes his long-standing friendship with Richard Factor, their shared interests in ham radio and aviation, and how Factor's inquiry about SETI led Shuch to discover his own passion for the subject, stemming from his academic background at Berkeley. Shuch details how he became The SETI League's first fulltime employee in May 1995, initially on sabbatical leave. He discusses the growth of the organization, the challenges of balancing his academic career with his commitment to SETI, and his eventual decision to dedicate himself fully to The SETI League, inspired by his wife Muriel's support.

All Alone? (Or Not?)

By Prof. Philip Morrison, this article explores the search for extraterrestrial life. Morrison discusses how our understanding of stars and planetary systems has evolved, from believing our solar system might be unique to now knowing that planetary systems are common. He touches upon the nebular theory of planet formation and the discovery of "nebular discs." The article then delves into the search for signs of life beyond Earth, noting the presence of organic molecules in space but emphasizing that these are not life itself. Morrison posits that the most reliable method for detecting life is through artificial radio signals, advocating for a systematic radio search of the Galaxy. He discusses the challenges of Doppler shift compensation and the importance of a directed, narrow-band beacon signal. He concludes by expressing hope for future discoveries and envying those who will witness them.

Editorial: QST Award Bodes Well for SETI

Dr. H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director, discusses his article "2001: A Moonbounce Odyssey" receiving the QST Cover Plaque award. He interprets this honor not just as personal recognition but as a sign of growing public acceptance of amateur SETI. Shuch recounts the historical skepticism towards amateur involvement in SETI and highlights how The SETI League has demonstrated that the search is feasible and important for amateurs. He addresses criticisms that SETI is a "waste of time and money," reframing it as the definition of a hobby and asserting that pursuing it out of love is no less professional. The award, he concludes, signifies that a significant number of radio amateurs, including those not affiliated with The SETI League, consider their efforts credible and worthwhile.

Moonbounce Beacon Returned to Service, Stronger than Ever

This article reports on the reactivation of The SETI League's "moonbounce" beacon in March 2002, after a seven-month upgrade. The beacon, operating at 1296.000 MHz under the callsign W2ETI, now transmits at over ten times its initial power (200 watts). It reflects microwave signals off the Moon to aid in calibrating radio telescopes and receiving systems for amateur and professional astronomers worldwide. The beacon was initially funded by a NASA grant and has been used by observatories like Arecibo and Jodrell Bank. Future tests are scheduled for March 21-24, 2002.

SETI League Awards Highest Honors

On April 27, 2002, at The SETI League's annual Awards Banquet, the Giordano Bruno Memorial Award was presented to Claudio Maccone for his technical contributions to amateur SETI, particularly his efforts to establish a radio observatory on the far side of the Moon. The Orville N. Greene Service Award was given to Stephen D. Carver, Esq., for his diligence in protecting The SETI League's intellectual property. The article encourages members to nominate candidates for future awards.

Thanks to our SETICon02 Prize Donors

This section acknowledges individuals and organizations that donated prizes for the SETICon02 event. Donors include WinRADIO, Milan Hudecek, Jeffrey Lichtman, Dave Clingerman, Down East Microwave Inc., Mike Owen, SETIFox, Neil Boucher, Michael Crick, Al Ward, and various organizations and individuals who donated books. Members are encouraged to patronize the commercial prize donors.

Searching for Ourselves

By James F. Brown, W6KYP, this article discusses the technical considerations for a Project Argus station, focusing on the search for signals that are recognizable as originating from an intelligent, non-human source. Brown argues that the most effective strategy is to look for signals that are similar to what he himself would send if he had the means – a deliberate, narrow-band beacon transmitted at the "waterhole" frequency (around 1541 MHz) and directed at our star. He emphasizes the need for Doppler shift compensation to account for Earth's rotation and orbital motion. Brown acknowledges that focusing on signals from beings similar to humans might lead to missing signals from fundamentally different types of intelligence, but asserts that this approach is more practical and increases the chances of success.

2001 SETI League Financial Report

This report presents the unaudited financial statement for The SETI League, Inc. for 2001. Total revenues were $187,233, primarily from dues, grants, and contributions ($180,412) and interest ($6,821). Total expenses were $227,812, with the largest portion allocated to Educational and Scientific Programs ($195,888). The year resulted in an excess (deficit) of ($40,579). The balance sheet shows beginning net assets of $128,003 and ending net assets of $87,424.

Memberships Make Great Gifts! / Order Your Membership Premiums

This section details the various membership levels offered by The SETI League, including Full Member, Supporting Member, Scholarship Member, Household Member, Household Life Member, Life Member, Patron, Director, and Benefactor, with corresponding prices. It also lists available merchandise such as pocket protectors, mouse pads, technical manuals, songbooks, T-shirts, proceedings from SETICon events, Project Cyclops, and a "Tune In The Universe!" CD-ROM. A "SETI Nerd Gift Set" is also offered at a discount for members. Payment options include US Dollar checks and credit cards (Visa/MasterCard).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the advancement and accessibility of SETI, particularly through amateur involvement and technological innovation. The SETI League actively promotes its mission, encouraging participation in SETI@home, developing specialized equipment like the moonbounce beacon, and organizing events like SETICon. The editorial stance is one of optimism and advocacy for SETI, emphasizing its scientific importance, the value of amateur contributions, and the potential for profound discoveries. There is a clear belief that SETI is not just a professional endeavor but a pursuit that can and should be undertaken by individuals with passion and dedication. The magazine also highlights the importance of education and community within the SETI field, as evidenced by the membership drives and awards presented.