SearchLites - Vol 12 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 12 No. 2
Date: Spring 2006
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SearchLites, the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc., covers a range of topics relevant to amateur radio astronomers and SETI enthusiasts. It includes announcements, reports on recent activities, technical articles, and financial information.

Key Articles and Features

Announcement of the Twelfth SETI League Annual Membership Meeting

The primary announcement concerns the Twelfth Annual Membership Meeting of The SETI League, Inc., scheduled for Sunday, April 23, 2006, at 1 PM Eastern time at the SETI League Headquarters in Little Ferry, NJ. The meeting is one week earlier than originally scheduled. Directions to the office are provided, including recommendations for commercial and general aviation travelers. Members are encouraged to attend, as attendance by one percent of the membership constitutes a quorum. Members can submit additional Old Business and New Business items for the agenda by emailing [email protected] no later than April 1, 2006. The annual Board of Trustees Meeting will immediately follow.

Preliminary Agenda

The preliminary agenda for the Membership Meeting includes: Call to Order, Minutes of 2005 Membership Meeting, Financial Report, Committee Reports, Old Business, New Business, Good and Welfare, and Adjournment.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI and amateur radio. Events span from March 2006 to October 2006, with locations including NASA Ames Research Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, various US locations, San Marino, Germany, Spain, and Prague.

Amateur Radio Astronomers Name Keynote Speaker

The Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers (SARA) has selected Dr. Steven W. Ellingson as the Keynote Speaker for its 2006 Annual Meeting, to be held June 18-21, 2006, at NRAO, Green Bank WV. Dr. Ellingson, an Assistant Professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, will present on "The Strange Renaissance in Low-Frequency Radio Astronomy." SARA is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, and SETI League members are invited to attend.

Sri Lanka Update: January 2006

Written by Sir Arthur C. Clarke, this update reflects on the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami in late 2004 and the recovery efforts in 2005. Clarke discusses the 60th anniversary of his invention of the communications satellite and events organized by the Arthur C Clarke Foundation. He mentions the planned Arthur C. Clarke Center in Las Vegas and his involvement in media interviews and projects, including adaptations of his works like 'Rendezvous with Rama' and 'Fountains of Paradise'. Clarke also touches upon awards received, including the Sahithyaratna Award and the Lankabhimaanya, and an honorary doctorate from the International Space University. He notes improvements in his sight due to cataract surgery and expresses hope for lasting peace in Sri Lanka.

Don't Get Hung Up On Frequency Assignments

Charles Osborne, President of SARA, discusses the challenges faced by amateur radio astronomers regarding frequency assignments. He explains the concept of 'protected' frequencies and how they are often compromised by commercial interests and government regulations. Osborne highlights the issue of interference from satellite systems and the need for effective filtering. He suggests exploring less conventional frequency bands, such as satellite uplink bands, and recommends using a scanner to survey local spectrum before investing in equipment. He also touches upon the potential impact of UltraWideband technology and 'Cognitive Radio'.

SETI League 2005 Program Service Accomplishments

• This section details the achievements of The SETI League in 2005 across various program areas:
• Science Programs: Coordinated 130 Project Argus radio telescopes, monitored telemetry from NASA and ESA probes, and provided committee leadership for the International Academy of Astronautics.
• Technology Programs: Designed and tested a new analog phase shifter for the Very Small Array prototype, upgraded the W2ETI Moonbounce Beacon, and provided consultation for the Montecorvino SETI Telescope Array.
• Public Education Programs: Executive Director delivered lectures, published articles, provided webmastering services, and distributed educational materials like "Tune In The Universe!" and "The SETI League Technical Manual."
• Media and Outreach Programs: Published four issues of SearchLites, distributed press releases and editorials, updated the website, and conducted media briefings and interviews.

Financial Statements

Detailed financial statements for 2005 and the anticipated budget for 2006 are presented. In 2005, total revenues were $26,161, with expenses of $24,765, resulting in an excess of $1,396. The budget for 2006 anticipates revenues of $25,150 and expenses of $25,000, with an expected excess of $150.

SETI League Confirms Space Radio Contact

This article reports on a confirmed two-way radio contact made on January 21, 2006, at 2142 UTC, between ham radio operator Ed Cole in Alaska and US astronaut Cmdr. Bill McArthur aboard the International Space Station. The contact was made on the 144 MHz amateur radio band, enabling McArthur to achieve the Worked All States (WAS) award.

Ask Dr. SETI: They're Dead, Jim!

In this Q&A segment, Dr. SETI addresses the question of whether it's possible to listen for signals from civilizations that may no longer exist. The answer explains that messages can take thousands or millions of years to reach Earth, making SETI akin to "interstellar archaeology" – unearthing artifacts of past civilizations.

SETI League Board Emeritizes Executive Director

Dr. H. Paul Shuch has retired for the second time and has been elevated to the honorary position of Executive Director Emeritus. He will continue his volunteer service, editing the newsletter, webmastering the site, and representing the organization.

Their Past; Our Future

Dr. H. Paul Shuch explores the motivations behind potential transmissions from extraterrestrial civilizations, considering altruism, self-interest, and the possibility of civilizations sending messages as a time capsule of their history and culture before their demise.

Transforming SETI to METI

Dr. Alexander Zaitsev proposes transforming the SETI search space into a METI (Messaging to Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) search space. He outlines a 9-dimensional framework for considering METI, including questions about where, when, and how to transmit, as well as the potential dangers and benefits of such transmissions.

Annual Renewal

The final pages provide information on renewing SETI League memberships, including various membership categories and prices. It also lists available membership premiums and ordering instructions, along with a section for credit card payments and address corrections.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the practical aspects of amateur radio astronomy, the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), and the emerging field of messaging to extraterrestrials (METI). The SETI League positions itself as a central organization facilitating these activities through its publications, events, and coordination efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement and education, encouraging member participation and addressing the technical and philosophical challenges of SETI and METI. There is a clear emphasis on the role of amateur radio operators and the importance of scientific rigor, even in speculative areas. The publication also highlights the organization's financial health and its commitment to its mission.