SearchLites - Vol 18 No 4

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 18, Number 4, Autumn 2012, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc. It is a membership-supported, non-profit educational and scientific corporation dedicated to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The publication covers a range of topics related to SETI, including awards, new research paradigms, historical perspectives, and personal reflections.

SETI League Announces Annual Service Award

The lead article announces the SETI League's annual service award, presented this year to Clarence Spector. While not a member or donor, Spector's introduction of two friends, Richard Factor and H. Paul Shuch, is credited with being indirectly responsible for the existence of The SETI League. Factor, an industrialist, founded the organization in 1994 to privatize SETI research, and tapped Shuch, an academic, to lead it. The award honors Orville N. Greene, a patent attorney whose generous donations helped establish the League.

Guest Editorial: Rethinking SETI's Targets by Paul Gilster

Paul Gilster's guest editorial challenges conventional SETI assumptions, particularly the reliance on radio wavelengths and the expectation of two-way communication. He introduces the concept of intergalactic SETI and explores the implications of Kardashev Type III civilizations, which exploit galactic-level energy. The article discusses the work of James Annis, Richard Carrigan, and P.S. Wesson in searching for astro-engineering artifacts rather than direct signals. It also delves into the 'Dysonian approach' to SETI, championed by Robert Bradbury, Milan Cirkovic, and George Dvorsky. This approach broadens SETI's scope to include astrobiology, computer science, and post-biological intelligence, seeking technological products and signatures beyond traditional methods. The goal is to understand the 'Great Silence' by looking for observable achievements of advanced cultures.

Encyclopedia Galactica by Jon Lomberg

Jon Lomberg recounts his 40-year relationship with Carl Sagan, beginning with a fan letter in 1972 motivated by the Pioneer missions and their iconic plaque. Lomberg's first painting, titled 'Encyclopedia Galactica,' was inspired by Sagan's vision of a galactic internet. He describes meeting Sagan at the Toronto airport, where he presented the painting. This led to Sagan inviting Lomberg to illustrate his book 'Communication with Extraterrestrial Intelligence.' The painting was used as the book's cover, and Sagan gifted Lomberg a signed Pioneer plaque. Lomberg reflects on how the concept of the Encyclopedia Galactica evolved and was featured in Sagan's 'COSMOS' series, continuing his legacy beyond death.

Neutrino Communications: An Interstellar Future? by Paul Gilster

Paul Gilster explores the potential of neutrinos for interstellar communication, recalling a 1979 article in 'Cosmic Search' by Jay Pasachoff and Marc Kutner. He discusses the recent neutrino message experiment at Fermilab, where the word 'neutrino' was transmitted digitally using the NuMI beam and MINERvA detector. While this demonstrated digital communication through rock, it highlighted that neutrino communications are in their infancy. The article delves into the challenges of detecting neutrinos, which require massive installations like Sudbury Neutrino Observatory and Super Kamiokande. It also considers the future possibilities, including communication with submerged submarines and the potential for advanced civilizations to use narrow-beam neutrinos, suggesting that such signals could indicate an advanced civilization and lead to dialogue via electromagnetic signals.

The Movie Contact by Robert J. Sawyer

Robert J. Sawyer offers a critical perspective on the movie 'Contact,' based on Carl Sagan's novel. While acknowledging its positive aspects, such as featuring a female scientist and being inspired by Sagan, Sawyer points out several inaccuracies and narrative flaws. He highlights a miscalculation in the Drake equation presented in the film and criticizes the film's portrayal of SETI as overly hyped, suggesting it leads to interstellar travel rather than just communication. Sawyer contrasts the movie's dramatic narrative with the reality of SETI, which he feels is often misunderstood and oversimplified by the public.

Jill Tarter Announces Retirement

This section announces the retirement of Dr. Jill Tarter, a prominent radio astronomer and a figure synonymous with SETI research. Tarter, who held the Bernard M. Oliver Chair for SETI Research and directed the Center for SETI Research at The SETI Institute, has had a distinguished career. She played a key role in NASA's High Resolution Microwave Survey and has been instrumental in securing private funding for SETI research since 1993. She also serves on the management board for the Allen Telescope Array. Tarter has received numerous awards and recognitions for her scientific contributions and her dedication to educating future scientists. Her work has been influential in the field of SETI and its public understanding.

The issue also includes a photograph of H. Paul Shuch presenting Jill Tarter with the Giordano Bruno Memorial Award in 2009, and a photo of Tarter at the Nancay radio telescope in France.

Membership and Renewal Information

The final pages provide information on SETI League memberships, including categories, dues, and available premiums. It details how to renew memberships, accept PayPal payments, and lists contact information for The SETI League. The back cover includes a mailing label section and a non-profit postage permit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the evolving nature of SETI research, moving beyond traditional radio astronomy to explore new methods and targets. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific rigor and long-term vision required for SETI, as well as the importance of public engagement and education. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a broader, more inclusive approach to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, acknowledging both the scientific challenges and the profound implications of potential discovery. The publication consistently highlights the work and dedication of individuals and organizations within the SETI community.