SearchLites - Vol 17 No 2

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 17, Number 2, Spring 2011, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc. The magazine is membership-supported, non-profit, educational, and scientific, dedicated to the electromagnetic Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence. The issue is primarily in English and is published in the USA.

Key Articles and Features

SETI League Appoints New Technical Advisor

This article announces the appointment of Dr. Claudio Maccone to The SETI League's scientific advisory board, effective January 1, 2011. Maccone, Technical Director for Scientific Space Exploration at the International Academy of Astronautics, fills a vacancy left by the late Dr. Malcolm I. Raff. Maccone, who has a background in mathematical physics, aims to help The SETI League develop mathematical equations to aid in finding an "Encyclopaedia Galactica." He is a recipient of the Giordano Bruno Memorial Award and has co-chaired the IAA's SETI Permanent Study Group with H. Paul Shuch. The article also touches upon the privatization of SETI research since NASA's funding was terminated in 1993 and provides contact information for those interested in joining or supporting The SETI League.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI research, inviting members to attend and contribute information about other events. Dates and locations range from March 2011 to October 2012, including events like Lunacon 2011, the Trenton Computer Festival, IAA Symposia, and various International Astronautical Congresses.

Annual Meeting Notice

This notice formally schedules The SETI League's Seventeenth Annual Membership Meeting for April 24, 2011, at their headquarters in Little Ferry, NJ. It provides details on location, travel recommendations (including for Newark International Airport and Teterboro Airport), and the preliminary agenda, which includes reports, old and new business, and good and welfare. The annual Board of Trustees Meeting will follow.

Guest Editorial: Try Some Other Library

Authored by Erick Sherman, this editorial challenges the conventional approach to SETI, suggesting that scientists are searching in the "wrong library." Sherman posits that intelligent civilizations might only broadcast strong, omnidirectional signals for a limited period, perhaps around 200 Earth years. He argues that current human communication methods are becoming increasingly directional and power-efficient, making them harder to detect over interstellar distances. The editorial suggests that SETI observers might be unlikely to intercept meaningful communication and should perhaps look for other indicators or methods.

Three Kinds of People

Written by H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director Emeritus, this essay categorizes people into three types: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wait for things to happen. Shuch applies this framework to SETI involvement, identifying members who actively contribute (e.g., building Project Argus stations, developing software) as "makers." Those who educate themselves and offer support are "watchers," while those who do nothing are "waiters" who are removed from the SETI equation. Shuch emphasizes that humanity's choice of involvement will determine its future on a cosmic scale.

SETI League 2010 Financial Report and 2011 Annual Budget

This section presents a detailed financial overview of The SETI League for 2010 and its projected budget for 2011. In 2010, revenues totaled $22,741, with expenses of $19,939, resulting in an excess of $2,803. The 2011 budget projects revenues of $20,020 and expenses of $22,000, indicating a projected deficit of $1,981. Pie charts visually represent the revenue and expense breakdowns for both years.

SETI League 2010 Program Service Accomplishments

This excerpt from the 2010 Annual Report details the organization's achievements across several areas:

• Science: Supported 147 Project Argus radio telescopes in 27 countries, monitored telemetry signals from space probes, provided leadership for the SETI Permanent Study Group, and contributed to the SETI@home computing experiment.
• Technology: Assisted members in setting up new Project Argus stations and coordinated technical email lists.
• Education: Delivered six SETI lectures globally, participated in conferences, published technical articles, contributed to a 50th Anniversary SETI book, provided webmastering services, distributed technical manuals and guides, and answered numerous email queries.
• Outreach: Published four issues of SearchLites, managed email lists, distributed press releases and editorials, updated the website weekly, sent out membership brochures, coordinated media briefings and interviews, and presented awards.

Media Review: Solar System for iPad

This review highlights Marcus Chown's "Solar System for iPad," an electronic book described as a breakthrough in interactive exploration of the solar system. It features 3D objects, movies, images, and data, allowing users to control orbits and view detailed surface imagery. The review notes its release date (December 21, 2010), size, and compatibility requirements.

New Members

A list of individuals who joined The SETI League in good standing during 2010 is provided, including their names and countries of origin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing efforts and challenges in the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI). There is a strong emphasis on the role of The SETI League as a privatized entity supporting scientific research, technology development, education, and public outreach. The newsletter highlights the contributions of its members and leadership, including the appointment of a new technical advisor. The editorial stance, particularly evident in the guest editorial, questions the effectiveness of current SETI methodologies, suggesting a need for re-evaluation. Conversely, the essay on "Three Kinds of People" encourages active participation and support for SETI endeavors, framing it as crucial for humanity's future. The financial reports underscore the organization's reliance on membership and contributions to sustain its operations. Overall, the newsletter promotes a proactive and scientifically rigorous approach to SETI, while also acknowledging the complexities and potential limitations of the search.