SearchLites - Vol 18 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 18 No. 3
Date: Summer 2012
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Type: Quarterly Newsletter

Articles

Their Fears are Unfounded by Stephane Dumas

This article challenges the notion that transmitting signals into space (Messaging to ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence - METI) is inherently dangerous. The author argues against the fears expressed by physicists like Stephen Hawking and Michio Kaku, who draw parallels between potential alien encounters and historical conquests like that of the Aztec empire by the Spanish. Dumas contends that such historical parallels are flawed because the motivations and circumstances were different. He highlights that the Spanish conquest was not a response to an invitation, and that advanced civilizations might not have the resources or inclination for interstellar conquest, citing the immense energy requirements for star travel (e.g., the Daedalus project) and the example of Rome falling to the Goths. Dumas concludes that extraterrestrials are unlikely to come to Earth to conquer us, even if we transmit signals.

Guest Editorial: Alien Probes For Real? by Seth Shostak

Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute, explores the possibility of extraterrestrial probes monitoring Earth. He references a Roper poll suggesting millions believe they have been abducted by aliens, but shifts focus to the more plausible idea of technological probes placed in our solar system by advanced civilizations. Drawing on the work of Alan Tough, Shostak discusses how such probes, even if small (fitting within a living room), could remain undetected. He mentions research by Penn State postdocs Jacob Haqq-Misra and Ravi Kumar Kopparapu, who investigated the detectability of such probes. Shostak explains that the vastness of the solar system makes finding small objects difficult unless they emit strong signals or have distinctive features. He notes that while NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter will soon map the Moon's surface in detail, and Mars mapping will follow, probes could also be in orbit. The article highlights the Lagrange points as potential locations for such probes, noting that current searches have not been sensitive enough to find anything smaller than a house. Shostak concludes that while there's no evidence of surveillance, it cannot be ruled out.

In Memoriam: Remembering Allen Tough by H. Paul Shuch

This piece is a tribute to Professor Allen Tough, who passed away on April 27, 2012, at the age of 76. H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director Emeritus of The SETI League, remembers Tough as a brilliant mind and a dear friend. Tough was a renowned scholar in adult learning and self-directed growth, contributing significantly to the field since the 1960s. His work expanded the understanding of adult education to encompass intentional adult learning. He authored seven books, including 'The Adult's Learning Projects,' and was recognized with the Malcolm Knowles Memorial Award and inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame. Beyond adult learning, Tough was active in futures studies and SETI research, authoring 'Crucial Questions About the Future' and founding the 'Invitation to ETI' initiative, which fostered a global network of thinkers. He was also involved with The SETI League, serving on its Strategic Planning Committee and receiving its Orville Greene Service Award. Despite suffering from Multiple System Atrophy, Tough continued to make intellectual contributions until his final days, even while analyzing a SETI candidate detection. The article extends condolences to his wife, Cathy Rand, and children Susan and Paul.

Book Review: The Elusive Wow by Robert H. Gray

Reviewed by H. Paul Shuch, this section reviews Robert H. Gray's book, 'The Elusive Wow,' which documents Gray's nearly thirty-year quest to understand the enigmatic 'Wow!' signal detected in 1977. The review describes the book as containing two parts: the first details Gray's efforts to duplicate the signal's reception using his own radio telescope and later at Harvard, Tasmania, and the Very Large Array, all without success. The second part is a more conventional overview of SETI science, including historical searches and insights into the Fermi Paradox. Shuch notes that the book includes an extensive bibliography and web links, but expresses disappointment that The SETI League and its Project Argus were only briefly mentioned. He suggests the book would have benefited from a chapter on other amateur radio astronomers' efforts.

Minutes of 2012 Annual Meeting

These minutes detail the proceedings of The SETI League's Annual Membership Meeting held on April 22, 2012. Key points include:

• Call to Order: Convened at 13:05 EDT by Executive Director Emeritus Dr. H. Paul Shuch with three members present, constituting a quorum.
• Minutes of 2011 Membership Meeting: Approved as previously posted.
• Treasurer's Report: Presented by Dr. Shuch and Secretary/Treasurer Heather Wood, covering calendar year 2011. Revenues totaled $17,621, expenses were $21,751, resulting in a deficit of $4,130. The year-end balance was $6,851.
• 2012 Budget: Projected revenues of $18,005, with a projected deficit of $2,995 and an ending balance of $3,856.
• Executive Director's Report: Accepted as previously posted.
• Committee Reports: EME Committee reported the beacon remains off the air. Awards Committee deferred selection of the Giordano Bruno and Orville N. Greene awards pending policy review; twelve websites received the SETI SuperStar award.
• Old Business: The 'Very Small Array' project is on hold due to lack of funding. Ms. Wood will send a mid-year renewal letter to lapsed members. The 2011 Annual Report is available online, with hard copies for major donors. New web servers have been ordered.
• New Business: Membership reaffirmed commitment to the League's Vision and Mission. The next Annual Meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2013.
• Good and Welfare: Dr. Shuch reported on Allen Tough's failing health. Mr. Factor announced his relocation to Arizona but will continue monthly visits to the New Jersey office.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 13:32 EDT.

Business Transacted by Board of Trustees:

This section outlines the Board of Trustees meeting held after the Annual Membership Meeting on April 22, 2012.

• Quorum Call: Present were A. Heather Wood, Richard Factor, and H. Paul Shuch. Martin Schreiber was absent.
• Election of Officers: The following officers were retained for a one-year term: President - Richard Factor, Secretary/Treasurer - A. Heather Wood, Executive Director Emeritus - H. Paul Shuch.
• Registered Agent: Mr. Factor agreed to continue serving as Registered Agent.
• Personnel matters: The Secretary/Treasurer's performance review was completed. The Board voted to continue cost-sharing of the Executive Director Emeritus' health insurance premiums.
• Advisory Board: Establishment of a secure email alias for communication with the Advisory Board was authorized.
• Awards Criteria: Policy reiterated that selection criteria for the Bruno and Greene awards focus on contributions and accomplishments.
• Bank Fees: Fees for bank accounts were discussed, with the Bank of America account recommended as a fiscal firewall.
• Adjournment: The Board of Trustees meeting was adjourned at 13:52 EDT.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI research, encouraging members to check the SETI League website for details. Events include:

• Central States VHF Conference (July 26-28, 2012)
• Chicon 7 (August 30 - September 3, 2012)
• Fourth IAA Symposium on Searching for Life Signatures (September 25-28, 2012)
• 63rd International Astronautical Congress (October 1-5, 2012)
• AMSAT Space Symposium (October 26-28, 2012)
• SETI League Ham Radio QSO Parties (April 20, 2013; April 19, 2014; April 18, 2015)
• SETI League Annual Membership Meetings (April 21, 2013; April 20, 2014; April 19, 2015)
• Lonestarcon 3 (August 29 - September 2, 2013)
• 64th International Astronautical Congress (September 23-27, 2013)
• 54th International Astronautical Congress (September/October, 2014)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SearchLites include the scientific and philosophical considerations of SETI, particularly the risks and justifications for transmitting signals into space (METI). The publication also delves into the practical aspects of SETI research, such as the search for extraterrestrial probes and the analysis of potential signals like the 'Wow!' signal. A significant portion is dedicated to honoring the contributions of individuals within the SETI community, exemplified by the memorial to Allen Tough and the minutes of the SETI League's annual meeting, which highlight the organization's ongoing activities, financial status, and future plans. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles and the organization's activities, is one of proactive, scientifically grounded research into extraterrestrial intelligence, coupled with a pragmatic approach to risk assessment and a strong sense of community among researchers and enthusiasts.