SearchLites - Vol 09 No 2

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 9, Number 2, Spring 2003, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc. This issue is dedicated to SETICon03, a celebration of privatized SETI, and features articles on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, astrobiology, and ufology. The publication is a non-profit, educational, and scientific corporation dedicated to the electromagnetic Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence.

Betting On Life Aplenty: Thoughts of an Unknown Homo Sapiens

This article by Niladri Sarker, Ph.D., from the University of Arizona, explores the definition of life and its potential impact on the universe. Sarker questions whether humans are too anthropocentric in their search for life, looking for creatures too similar to themselves. He proposes that a key factor in defining life is its substantial effect on non-life, suggesting that sufficiently intelligent and technologically advanced societies would leave a permanent mark on the universe. This could range from manipulating environments to controlling stellar evolution or even transforming entire galaxies. The author posits that life might be a common phenomenon in the cosmos and that its detection could lead to revolutions in our thinking, potentially involving the study of isolated systems, Dyson spheres, or unappreciated artifacts. Sarker concludes by emphasizing the potential of the human mind, comparing it to a parachute designed to navigate difficult situations.

The Only Game in Town

Written by H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D., Executive Director of The SETI League, this article reflects on the history and future of the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Shuch contrasts the rudimentary beginnings of SETI with Frank Drake's first experiment forty years prior, using a crude one-channel listening station, with the advanced technologies of today. He notes that SETI has moved from the fringes into the scientific mainstream, with thousands of searches conducted and millions of dollars spent. Despite these efforts, the success rate remains low. Shuch suggests that SETI's value lies not just in potential contact, but in its ability to challenge humanity's complacency and inspire societal change. He advocates for redefining SETI to encompass all conceivable signaling technologies, including those beyond current capabilities, such as robotic interstellar probes or astroengineering marvels. Looking ahead, Shuch predicts that in forty years, SETI technology will span the entire electromagnetic spectrum and allow for all-sky, real-time observation. However, he also considers the possibility that advanced civilizations might become effectively invisible, leading to an epiphany that while we may not be alone, we might as well be. The article concludes by reflecting on how such an understanding would impact humanity's place in the cosmos, potentially bringing us back to the realization that we were once the 'only game in town.'

Special SETICon Section

This section details the SETICon03 event, a celebration of privatized SETI, held at The College of New Jersey from April 25-27, 2003. It includes:

SETICon03 Program

The program outlines events for Friday, April 25th (Hardware Workshop, Registration, Keynote Address, Technical Sessions, Dinner), Saturday, April 26th (Registration, Technical Sessions, Lunch, Technical Sessions, SETI League Awards Banquet), and Sunday, April 27th (Volunteer Coordinators Breakfast, SETI League Annual Meeting, Board of Trustees Meeting).

Microwave Circuit Construction Workshop

A hands-on workshop for members interested in constructing microwave circuitry, focusing on component identification and microstrip assembly techniques to build and test a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). The fee is $150 and requires advance registration.

Door Prizes Galore!

An announcement encouraging vendors to donate door prizes for the SETI League Awards Banquet, with acknowledgments on the website and in future issues.

Annual Meeting Announcement

Notice of the Ninth Annual Membership Meeting of The SETI League, Inc., scheduled for 10 AM on Sunday, April 27, 2003, at The College of New Jersey. The meeting requires one percent of the membership for a quorum, and members are encouraged to submit agenda items.

Lodging

Information on the official conference hotel, the Hampton Inn and Suites Newtown, with room rates and reservation deadlines. Alternative lodgings in the Trenton, NJ area are also listed.

Transportation

Details on transportation to the venue, including driving directions from various locations (New York State Thruway, Long Island, New Jersey Turnpike, I-80, New Brunswick, Asbury Park, Route 78, Atlantic City, PA Turnpike, I-95 South). Information on rental car agencies and train services to Trenton is also provided.

Conference Venue

Details on the location of SETICon03 events at The College of New Jersey, including specific buildings for technical sessions and the banquet, as well as parking information.

SETICon03 Pre-Registration

Information on pre-registration fees for the Technical Symposium ($40 for members, $90 for non-members, with increases after March 31, 2003) and the Microwave Hardware Construction Workshop ($150). It also details the cost of Awards Banquet tickets ($30) and additional Proceedings copies ($20).

Please accept my registration for the 2003 SETI League Technical Symposium and Annual Membership Meeting

A form for members to register for the symposium, banquet, and hardware workshop, including payment options via credit card.

Pleased to Accept Credit Cards

Instructions for paying SETICon03 fees and contributions using Visa or MasterCard.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI-related information. Events include HamCation 2003, Lunacon 2003, various Ham Radio QSO Parties, Southeastern VHF Conference, SETICon03, Trenton Computer Festival, Dayton Hamvention, Balticon 37, ARRL National Convention, SARA Conference, Central States VHF Conference, Torcon 3 World Science Fiction Convention, European Radio Astronomy Congress, UKW-Tagung, Microwave Update, International Astronautical Congress, AMSAT Space Symposium, Philcon '03, and future SETICon events in 2004 and 2005.

Book Review: Shockingly Close to the Truth! Confessions of a Grave-Robbing Ufologist

This review by Daniel B. Fox discusses the book by James W. Moseley and Karl T. Pflock, which offers an inside look at the social history of ufology. The book draws on the authors' experiences as editor and contributing editor of 'SAUCER SMEAR' and covers people, events, hoaxes, and scandals that have shaped UFO beliefs over the past fifty years. The review highlights the book's entertaining nature and its insights into the UFO subculture, including descriptions of famous UFO hoaxes and the 'Men In Black' phenomenon. It also touches upon Moseley's other moneymaking endeavors, such as grave-robbing in Peru.

Roster Reminder

An announcement that the 2003 edition of The SETI League Membership Roster is available for download from the Members-Only section of the website. Members in good standing can access it using their username and password.

Memberships Make Great Gifts!

This section details various membership levels for The SETI League, including Full Member, Supporting Member, Scholarship Member, Household Member, Household Life Member, Life Member, Patron, Director, and Benefactor, along with their respective annual fees and benefits.

Order Your Membership Premiums:

A list of merchandise available for purchase from The SETI League, including pocket protectors, mouse pads, technical manuals, songbooks, T-shirts, conference proceedings, Project Cyclops 2nd Edition, Tune In The Universe! CD-ROM, and a SETI Nerd Gift Set. Prices are listed for US and other addresses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), the organization and promotion of SETI-related events like SETICon03, and the exploration of related topics such as astrobiology and ufology. The SETI League's editorial stance is clearly in favor of privatized, grassroots SETI efforts, encouraging amateur participation and the development of innovative technologies. The newsletter serves as a platform for disseminating information about conferences, membership opportunities, and merchandise, while also featuring articles that provoke thought on the nature of life and humanity's place in the universe. There is a strong emphasis on community building and shared scientific inquiry within the SETI field.