SearchLites - Vol 18 No 1

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Vol. 18, No. 1, Winter 2012, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc. The issue's cover headline is "Up the Sky Without a Shuttle" by H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director Emeritus.

Editorial: Up the Sky Without a Shuttle

H. Paul Shuch reflects on the end of the Space Shuttle era and its implications for the future of space exploration and SETI. He draws a parallel between the end of NASA's SETI effort in 1993 and its subsequent privatization, suggesting that the privatization of human spaceflight, exemplified by ventures like Virgin Galactic, can keep the dream of space access alive. Shuch notes that while the Shuttle was not truly reusable, it provided the illusion of an ongoing program. He highlights the shift towards global cooperation in space, as seen with the International Space Station, and the potential for commercial spaceflight to democratize access to space. He also touches upon the history of SETI and the role of radio amateurs, referencing the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiments (SAREX) and the current Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. Shuch concludes by envisioning a future where commercial space access is commonplace, and the Space Shuttle is viewed as a technological ancestor.

Guest Editorial: An Open Letter to All Wall St. Occupiers

Adriano V. Autino, President of Space Renaissance International, addresses the "Wall St. Occupiers," commending their courage and sacrifice in advocating for global interests against corporate greed. He argues that the current economic system has led to widespread damage, particularly to the global environment, imperiling humanity. Autino proposes Space Renaissance as an alternative, advocating for the exploration and development of extraterrestrial space to ensure civilization's continuation and improve lives. This vision involves melding free enterprise with a collective spirit to expand humanity's horizons, solve global problems, and achieve a solar civilization. He outlines goals such as low-cost access to Earth's orbit, building space-based solar power stations, tapping resources on the Moon and asteroids, and launching programs for interstellar travel. He emphasizes the need for an international effort, free from restrictive global political and economic structures.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI-related information from March 2012 through April 2014. Events include the Trenton Computer Festival, SETI League Ham Radio QSO Parties, SETI League Annual Membership Meetings, the IAA Global Space Exploration Conference, Balticon, Central States VHF Conference, Chicon 7, International Congress for Radio Astronomy, IAA Symposium on Searching for Life Signatures, International Astronautical Congresses, and AMSAT Space Symposiums. Details on dates and locations are provided.

Ask Dr. SETI: Hiding from SETI

An anonymous reader asks Dr. SETI whether a civilization deliberately trying to hide its electromagnetic emissions would be detectable by current SETI searches, specifically questioning the effectiveness of frequency-hopping or spread-spectrum radars. The response explains that while these technologies make detection harder, they are not impossible. The article notes that the decommissioning of old over-the-horizon radars and the transition to cable TV and digital satellite distribution have made Earth less visible in the RF spectrum. However, it asserts that even complex modulation modes can be detected with advanced algorithms like the KLT, and that if a civilization ceased all emissions, it would still take time for that silence to reach us across interstellar distances.

Pete Worden Gives 2011 Billingham Lecture

This article reports on Dr. Simon P. Worden's (Brig. Gen., USAF, ret.) annual Billingham Cutting-Edge Lecture at the SETI and Society session during the International Astronautical Congress in Cape Town. Worden, the center director at NASA Ames Research Center, is highlighted for his role in transforming Ames, leading initiatives in space exploration, and promoting eco-friendly facilities. His background in astronomy, optical sciences, and planetary sciences, as well as his extensive experience in astrophysics, space sciences, and strategic studies, are detailed. His prior work with DARPA and his time as a Congressional Fellow are also mentioned. Worden's 29 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, culminating in his role as Director of Development and Transformation at the Space and Missile Systems Center, are also noted.

Book Review: Solar System: A Visual Exploration of All the Planets, Moons and Other Heavenly Bodies that Orbit Our Sun

Reviewed by H. Paul Shuch, this section discusses the hardcover book "Solar System" by Marcus Chown, which is based on a popular iPad eBook. The book is praised for its visual appeal, featuring 800 images from the interactive version. It is described as an awe-inspiring introduction to our cosmic backyard. The review notes the book's award-winning status as an app and highlights interesting facts about the solar system, such as the age of sunlight, the formation of a mountain range in an afternoon, the hottest body in the solar system (not the Sun), Galileo's observation of Saturn, and the original name of Uranus.

IAC 2011 Photos

This section features several photographs from the 62nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Cape Town, South Africa, in October 2011. Images include SETI League members at the congress, IAA Secretary General Jean-Michel Contant, H. Paul Shuch kicking off a symposium, native dance acts, a group of International Academy of Astronautics Board and Officers, SETI enthusiasts at an IAA SETI Dinner, student groups, the Soweto String Quartet, traditional music performances, Prof. Martin Dominik leading a SETI session, Prof. Doug Vakoch introducing Dr. Pete Worden, attendees shopping for souvenirs, and the creators of the Global Positioning System receiving an award.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the evolving landscape of space exploration, particularly the transition from government-led programs like NASA's Space Shuttle to private enterprise. The magazine consistently promotes the SETI League's mission and activities, including its conferences, membership drives, and publications. There is a strong emphasis on the potential for international cooperation and the democratization of space access. The editorial stance is optimistic about the future of SETI and space exploration, advocating for continued research and development, and highlighting the importance of citizen involvement and scientific inquiry. The issue also touches upon broader societal issues, such as corporate responsibility and the pursuit of higher goals for civilization.