SearchLites - Vol 15 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 15 No. 2
Date: Spring 2009
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
ISSN: 1096-5599

This issue of SearchLites, the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc., delves into various aspects of SETI research, astrobiology, and the history of significant scientific contributions.

Alpha Centauri, Here We Come

This article by Paul Gilster critiques a National Geographic television special for its inaccuracies regarding the Alpha Centauri star system and the exoplanet Gliese 581 c. Gilster points out that the media portrayal of Alpha Centauri's stars as a close, dangerous celestial standoff is fundamentally misunderstood, emphasizing that there is ample space between Centauri A and B for stable orbits and potentially habitable planets. He also corrects the depiction of Gliese 581 c, suggesting it is unlikely to be Earth-like and is more probably tidally locked, with Gliese 581 d being a more plausible candidate for habitability within that system. The article highlights the discrepancy between media sensationalism and scientific reality in reporting on exoplanets.

Remembering: SETI Patriarch Giuseppe Cocconi (1914-2008)

This section pays tribute to Giuseppe Cocconi, a pivotal figure in particle physics and cosmic rays, who passed away at age 94. It chronicles his early life in Como, his studies at Milan University, and his significant collaborations with Enrico Fermi in Rome. Cocconi's research into extended cosmic ray showers in Milan laid groundwork for future studies. His move to Cornell University led to key discoveries, including the identification of neutrons in cosmic radiation and evidence of extensive showers hinting at galactic origins. The article emphasizes his most famous contribution: the 1959 paper with Philip Morrison, which proposed 1420 MHz as the optimal frequency for detecting extraterrestrial signals, thus laying the foundation for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). His later career at CERN involved work on proton-proton scattering and neutrino physics. The remembrance highlights his intellectual curiosity, humility, and dedication to science, noting his regular presence at CERN even after retirement.

A personal remembrance by Richard Carrigan, a physicist and science fiction author, recalls Cocconi's concern for small frogs during a visit to Fermilab, illustrating his compassionate nature.

Guest Editorial: The Case for Extraterrestrial Beacons

Bob Krekorian, former NASA SETI Signal Detection Analyst, argues that despite decades of negative results, SETI remains a vital pursuit. He suggests that the premise of the 2008 NASA Astrobiology Conference, focusing on new approaches like detecting biosignatures, overlooks the potential for deliberate interstellar beacons. Krekorian posits that technologically advanced civilizations might construct beacons for communication, possibly as a way to preserve history or to contact emerging civilizations. He believes that detecting such a beacon could be a more practical approach than sending out probes. He also touches upon the possibility of detecting leakage signals, though considers it a more challenging prospect. Krekorian discusses the vast search space for Earth-like planets, referencing the upcoming Kepler Mission, and explains why M-type stars, despite their abundance, are less likely candidates for hosting complex life due to their characteristics.

He advocates for a renewed, comprehensive search effort by NASA, uninhibited by past orthodoxy, to explore the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence.

Book Review: Extrasolar Planets and Astrobiology

Paul Gilster reviews Caleb Scharf's book, "Extrasolar Planets and Astrobiology." Designed for university students, the book integrates physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and geophysics to provide a comprehensive understanding of astrobiology. Gilster notes the book's practical approach, including exercises for research and an online component. He highlights the foreword by Geoff Marcy, which discusses the future of exoplanet detection and the human drive for exploration. The review praises Scharf's treatment of astrobiology as an 'emerging interdiscipline' and recommends the book for students and researchers in related scientific fields.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI research, including Lunacon 2009, I-Con 28, the SETI League Ham Radio QSO Party, and various astronomy and science fiction conventions across the US and internationally. Members are encouraged to check the SETI League website for more details.

Annual Meeting Notice

The SETI League announces its Fifteenth Annual Membership Meeting to be held on Sunday, April 19, 2009, at SETI League Headquarters in Little Ferry, NJ. The notice includes details on travel recommendations, the preliminary agenda, and instructions for submitting new business items. The annual Board of Trustees Meeting will follow.

SARA Announces 2009 Keynote Speaker

The Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers (SARA) has selected Dr. Jill Cornell Tarter as the Keynote Speaker for its annual technical conference. Dr. Tarter, a leading radio astronomer and SETI researcher, will present on "The Allen Telescope Array: The Newest Pitchfork For Exploring the Cosmic Haystack." The article details her extensive career, awards, and her work in education, including developing science curriculum projects. It also mentions her role in securing funding for SETI research and her involvement with the Allen Telescope Array project.

New CD Available: Sing More Songs of SETI

This section announces the availability of a new CD titled "Sing More Songs of SETI" featuring Dr. SETI® and the SETIzens. It lists the song titles, many of which are written or co-written by H. Paul Shuch (Dr. SETI®), and provides copyright information and details about the incorporation of lyrics and melodies from other artists.

Membership Renewal Information

The final pages provide information on renewing SETI League memberships, including various membership categories and their costs. It also lists available membership premiums, such as pocket protectors, mouse pads, and proceedings from SETI conferences. Payment options include checks and PayPal. An address change form is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing quest for extraterrestrial intelligence, the scientific rigor required for SETI research, and the importance of accurate public communication about astronomical discoveries. The SETI League's stance is one of persistent scientific inquiry, advocating for continued research and exploration, and correcting misinformation. The publication also emphasizes community engagement through events, membership, and the sharing of knowledge and resources within the amateur astronomy and SETI communities.