SearchLites - Vol 09 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 9 No. 4
Date: Autumn 2003
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Country: USA
ISSN: 1096-5599

This issue of SearchLites, the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc., is dedicated to exploring various facets of SETI research, organizational policies, and scientific endeavors. The cover story, "Reviewing the Review Process" by Executive Director Dr. H. Paul Shuch, addresses the SETI League's approach to evaluating submissions for conferences and publications, emphasizing a balance between scientific rigor and the free flow of ideas.

Reviewing the Review Process

Dr. H. Paul Shuch's lead article discusses The SETI League's commitment to fostering a broad range of research topics related to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). He explains that while the League welcomes diverse views, its resources necessitate focusing on topics most relevant to its membership, typically excluding UFO and abduction research, or studies based on ancient texts and artifacts. The League's peer review process aims to uphold professionalism and scientific rigor without stifling creativity. Shuch notes that when reviewer opinions are divided on a controversial paper, the policy is to err on the side of acceptance to avoid excluding potentially valuable, unconventional work. He stresses that opinions expressed in publications are those of the authors and not necessarily the official stance of The SETI League.

Just What Is An Amateur Astronomer?

Authored by Thomas R. Williams, this article delves into the definition and historical context of amateur astronomy. Williams argues that the modern pejorative use of "amateurish" has distorted the original meaning of an amateur as someone who works for the love of it. He proposes criteria to distinguish an astronomer from a recreational observer, emphasizing serious intent, regular effort, acceptable methods, and communication of results. The article differentiates between professionals (those who practice astronomy for a livelihood) and amateurs (those who do it for pleasure). It also introduces categories like "Professionally Qualified Amateurs" and "Amateur Turned Professional," while distinguishing them from "Recreational Sky Observers" who appreciate the night sky but do not actively contribute to scientific research.

Event Horizon

This section provides a comprehensive list of upcoming events relevant to amateur radio, VHF/UHF, digital communications, astronomy, and science fiction conventions, spanning from August 2003 to October 2005. It includes dates, locations, and brief descriptions of each event, such as the 29th Eastern VHF/UHF Conference, Torcon 3 World Science Fiction Convention, and the 55th International Astronautical Congress.

Backyard Beacon Bolsters SETI Science

This article highlights The SETI League's role in supporting professional SETI research through its low-cost, high-tech moonbounce beacon. This beacon, built by amateur scientists and funded by a grant, sends a microwave signal to the Moon, and the returning echoes are used by radio astronomers, including those at the SETI Institute, to calibrate their equipment. The beacon, operational since 2001, ensures that radio astronomers can accurately receive and recognize known signals before searching for the unknown.

'Best Ideas' Honored

The "Best Ideas Awards," established by the editors of Contact In Context (an online academic journal published by The SETI League), are announced. The awards aim to recognize publications that offer fresh, bold ideas in SETI research. Bruce Cornet and Scot L. Stride received an award for their paper "Solar System SETI Using Radio Telescope Arrays." Honorable Mentions were given to John R. Rice, Stephen Dick, and Chandra Wickramasinghe for their respective works.

Editorial: We're Not At Home

In this editorial, Dr. H. Paul Shuch contrasts The SETI League's grassroots, amateur radio astronomy approach with the professional, distributed computing project SETI@home. He clarifies that SETI@home, while a valuable initiative involving millions of participants, is primarily a UC Berkeley project and a distributed computing experiment, not a SETI League initiative. Shuch emphasizes that The SETI League's mission remains focused on building and operating amateur radio telescopes, with its membership contributing to the broader SETI effort, even if indirectly.

Film Review: Touched

Nick DiCiaccio reviews the film "Touched" by Laurel Chiten, which explores stories of individuals who believe they have had contact with extraterrestrials. DiCiaccio describes the film as artistically done and not sensationalist, focusing on the personal experiences of those claiming alien contact and abduction. He discusses the prominent role of psychiatrist Dr. John Mack, who believes in the reality of these phenomena, and contrasts his views with those of other medical professionals. The review notes the film's exploration of the psychological aspects of these beliefs and questions the scientific validity of claims based on "alternate" dimensions or planes of existence. Despite his skepticism, DiCiaccio recommends the film as a compelling documentary and a look into human stories.

Quantifying our Ignorance

Dr. H. Paul Shuch defends the Drake Equation against detractors who misunderstand its purpose. He explains that the equation, developed by Dr. Frank Drake, is not intended for solving but serves as a powerful tool for quantifying ignorance in the search for communicative civilizations. Shuch outlines the seven factors of the equation and notes that while some factors (like stellar and planetary formation) are relatively well-understood, others remain speculative. He emphasizes that the equation's value lies in guiding research by posing critical questions. Shuch also discusses panspermia as a more compelling explanation for the prevalence of life than alien progenitors, suggesting that life may have been seeded throughout the universe from a single origin.

Annual Report Available for Download

This section announces the availability of The SETI League's 2002 Annual Report, which provides an overview of its activities and audited financial statements for 2001 and 2002. The report can be downloaded from the SETI League website.

SETI League Director Elected to Astronautics Academy

Dr. H. Paul Shuch has been elected a Corresponding Member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). The article details the IAA's mission and Dr. Shuch's role within it, including his membership in the SETI Permanent Study Group. It also mentions that four other SETI League members are part of the IAA.

Patent Issued for VSA Technology

The SETI League has received a US patent (Number 6,593,876) for an "Adaptive Microwave Antenna Array." This technology allows for the economical duplication of large radio telescope performance using multiple small antennas. The patent is intended to enable commercial application and generate funding for The SETI League's projects, such as the planned Array2k telescope. Dr. Shuch clarifies that the League will offer blanket licensing of its designs to bona-fide nonprofit users, emphasizing that the patent was pursued due to the organization's reliance on member support and the need for financial viability.

Membership Information and Order Form

The final pages provide details on various membership levels and premiums offered by The SETI League, including pocket protectors, mouse pads, technical manuals, songbooks, and T-shirts. It also outlines how to order these items and provides information on membership dues and payment methods, including credit card acceptance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the definition and practice of amateur astronomy, the scientific methodology and peer review processes within SETI research, and the organizational and technological advancements of The SETI League. The editorial stance, particularly in Dr. Shuch's pieces, champions the grassroots, amateur-driven approach to SETI while acknowledging the value of diverse research methods and the importance of scientific rigor. There is a clear emphasis on the SETI League's role as a facilitator and supporter of scientific inquiry, even when dealing with controversial topics or pursuing novel technological developments like patents.