SearchLites - Vol 16 No 2

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 16, Number 2, Spring 2010, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc. The issue focuses on the organization's activities, awards, and upcoming events, alongside a film review and financial reports.

SETI League Honors SETI@home Chief Scientist

The lead story announces that The SETI League, Inc. awarded its highest technical honor, the annual Giordano Bruno Memorial Award, to Dan Werthimer, Chief Scientist of the SETI@home project. The award was presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in San Diego on February 21, 2010. Werthimer is recognized for coordinating over 5.2 million users worldwide in distributed processing of observational data from the Arecibo Radio Observatory. This network forms the world's largest supercomputer, analyzing data from radio telescopes to search for signals indicative of extraterrestrial technology. Werthimer is also involved in other UC Berkeley SETI projects, including SERENDIP and CASPER. The Giordano Bruno Award honors the memory of Giordano Bruno and is given to individuals making significant technical contributions to SETI. Werthimer is the seventeenth recipient.

The article also notes that since NASA's SETI funding was terminated in 1993, The SETI League and other groups have privatized the research. It provides contact information for those interested in participating or supporting the search for intelligent alien life.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings where SETI-related information will be presented. Events include the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers regional meeting in Palo Alto, CA (March 20-21, 2010); the Ozma Bioastronomia SETI in Varese, Italy (April 10, 2010); the Eleventh annual SETI League Ham Radio QSO Party (April 17, 2010); the Sixteenth SETI League Annual Membership Meeting in Little Ferry, NJ (April 18, 2010); the Trenton Computer Festival (April 24-25, 2010); Astrobioloby Science Conference 2010 in League City, TX (April 26-29, 2010); Rochester Hamfest (June 4-6, 2010); the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers Conference in Green Bank, WV (July 4-7, 2010); Central States VHF Conference in St. Louis, MO (July 22-24, 2010); Aussiecon 4 in Melbourne, Australia (September 2-6, 2010); the 61st International Astronautical Congress in Prague (September 27-October 1, 2010); the Second IAA Symposium on Searching for Life Signatures in Milton Keynes, UK (October 4-8, 2010); the IAA 50th Anniversary Celebration in Washington, DC (November 17-18, 2010); and Philcon 2010 in Cherry Hill, NJ (November 19-21, 2010). Future events in 2011, 2012, and 2013 are also listed, including subsequent SETI League Ham Radio QSO Parties and Annual Membership Meetings, and International Astronautical Congresses.

Annual Meeting Notice

This notice announces the Sixteenth Annual Membership Meeting of The SETI League, Inc., scheduled for 1 PM Eastern time on Sunday, April 18, 2010, at SETI League Headquarters in Little Ferry, NJ. Directions to the headquarters are provided, including information for commercial and general aviation travelers. Members are encouraged to attend, and the preliminary agenda includes 'Call to Order,' 'Minutes of 2009 Membership Meeting,' 'Committee Reports,' 'Financial Report,' 'Old Business,' 'New Business,' 'Good and Welfare,' and 'Adjournment.' The annual Board of Trustees Meeting will immediately follow.

Guest Editorial: Neuropsychology and SETI

Authored by J. B. Arriola, this editorial explores the potential implications of super intelligence for SETI. Arriola suggests that a super intelligence could analyze human behavior and communications to predict reactions, potentially influencing the timing and method of their revelation. The author posits that until humanity is perceived as favorably receptive, such intelligences may remain hidden. The editorial links this concept to the developing science of neuropsychology, which studies the biological basis of behavior. Arriola suggests that understanding human behavior through this lens could allow for predictions about super intelligence. He also touches upon the potential for ETI to view humanity's violent history as a reason for caution and discusses the implications of immortality for their interactions. The editorial concludes by encouraging continued efforts to connect with that which is beyond ourselves.

Crossing the Golden Gate

Written by H. Paul Shuch, this article reflects on the challenges and evolution of Project Argus, The SETI League's ambitious all-sky survey. Shuch contrasts the original proposal of networking 5,000 backyard satellite TV dishes with the current reality of a network composed of only twelve dozen. He attributes the slower progress to global wars, recessions, and resource realignments. Shuch admits the original goal seemed achievable in 1995 but is now considered optimistic. He outlines five recommendations for The SETI League's future direction: scale back expectations, do more with less, attract new constituencies, embrace new technologies, and forego instant gratification. These recommendations are detailed in a paper available from The SETI League.

Film Review: Avatar, a movie of this time

Reviewed by Adriano V. Autino, this piece offers a critical analysis of James Cameron's film 'Avatar.' Autino praises the film's visual artistry, Sigourney Weaver's performance, and the direction. The review discusses the film's themes of rebellion against an empire, environmentalism, and the conflict between nature and technology. Autino critiques the film's portrayal of violence as the primary means of opposition and suggests a desire for a more philosophical or humanistic technological solution. The review highlights the film's philosophical message about living in harmony with nature and criticizes the depiction of technology as inherently evil. It also notes the film's underlying message of compassion and love brought by humans, alongside their destructive tendencies.

SETI League 2009 Program Service Accomplishments

This section details The SETI League's activities in 2009 across four key areas:

• Science: Supported 144 Project Argus radio telescopes, coordinated observations, monitored telemetry signals, provided committee leadership for the International Academy of Astronautics SETI Permanent Study Group, and members served on the Foreign Advisory Council of the SETI Korea Society. Members also continued to support the SETI@home project.
• Technology: Refined electromagnetic link analysis for an Interstellar Radio Message (IRM), coordinated technical email lists, and inducted one member into the Extra-Terrestrial Century Club.
• Education: Executive Director Emeritus delivered ten SETI lectures on three continents.
• Outreach: Published four issues of SearchLites, coordinated email lists, distributed press releases and editorials, updated the website, mailed brochures, and regional coordinators conducted media briefings. Executive Director Emeritus gave interviews, and awards were presented, including the Giordano Bruno Memorial Award and the Orville N. Greene Service Award.

Financial Reports

This section presents The SETI League's financial information for 2009 and a projected budget for 2010. The 2009 report shows total revenues of $26,273, with expenses of $23,038, resulting in an excess of $3,235. The balance sheet shows ending net assets of $8,178. The 2010 projected budget anticipates total revenues of $20,025 and total expenses of $22,000, with a projected deficit of $1,975. Pie charts illustrate the breakdown of revenues and expenses for both years.

New Members

A list of individuals who joined The SETI League, Inc. in good standing during 2009 is provided, with members from the USA, Germany, France, Japan, Puerto Rico, and other countries.

Membership Renewal and Premiums

This section serves as an annual renewal notice for SearchLites subscriptions. It outlines membership categories and costs, and lists various membership premiums available for purchase, such as pocket protectors, mouse pads, CDs, technical manuals, and music CDs. It also details the SETI Nerd Gift Set and provides instructions for ordering and payment, including an option to pay via PayPal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), the importance of distributed computing in scientific research, the challenges and strategies for privatized scientific endeavors, and the role of technology and nature. The editorial stance, as reflected in the guest editorial and the film review, suggests a nuanced view on technology, acknowledging its potential for both good and harm, and emphasizing the importance of humanistic values, compassion, and a harmonious relationship with nature. The SETI League positions itself as a dedicated organization supporting these pursuits through research, education, and outreach.