SearchLites - Vol 20 No 2

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Vol. 20 No. 2, Spring 2014, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc. This issue features articles on predictions for SETI success, the nature of time and quantum physics, a critique of the 'Scala Naturae', and a tribute to Thomas Pierson.

Prophet Without Honor by H. Paul Shuch

In this editorial, H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director Emeritus, discusses the recurring predictions of imminent SETI success, specifically referencing Seth Shosak's statement about discovering alien signals by 2040. Shuch notes that Shosak has been making similar predictions for about twenty years, consistently moving the 'goalpost'. He highlights that the scientific community generally accepts that detecting artificial extraterrestrial signals is a certainty, but the timeframe is uncertain, requiring a multigenerational effort. Shuch encourages continued searching but advises caution in making specific predictions, humorously noting that it could jeopardize the SETI Institute's non-profit status.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI research. Events include Lunacon 2014, Search for Life Beyond the Solar System, IAA Search for Life Signatures Symposium, Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers Western Conference, LI-Con 1, and the SETI League Annual Membership Meeting. It also details the SETI League Ham Radio QSO Party events for 2014 and 2015, and various other conferences like Southeastern VHF Conference, Loncon3, and the International Astronautical Congress.

Quantum Weirdness and Consistency by Ed Chatterton

Ed Chatterton, writing from the January 2014 issue of Penn Central, explores the concept of quantum weirdness and its challenge to the axiom of consistency. He recounts his early skepticism, rooted in a belief in objective truth, and how contemplating quantum mechanics has humbled him. Chatterton admits that while he believes humans may not evolve to fully grasp particle/wave duality, he has faith that understanding is available in a Platonic sense and is consistent with evidence. He views theism as internally inconsistent but acknowledges that his own belief in the consistency of reality has been a self-evident, unexamined axiom. He concludes that he needs this consistency and logic to survive, accepting the axiom of consistency as a matter of faith.

The Scala Naturae: Alive and Well in Modern Times by Lori Marino

Lori Marino critiques the enduring influence of the 'Scala Naturae' or Great Chain of Being, an Aristotelian concept that arranges nature in a hierarchy from inorganic objects to humans, with spiritual beings and God above. Marino argues that despite scientific advancements disproving geocentric models and other archaic beliefs, this hierarchical view of nature persists. She explains how Christianity incorporated spiritual beings into this chain, placing humans as distinct and superior due to their 'part-animal' and 'part spiritual' nature. Marino contends that this belief system leads to the exploitation of other animals, disconnects humans from nature, and fosters a sense of entitlement. She calls for the abandonment of the Scala Naturae in favor of a science-based view of life as an interconnected tree.

Annual Meeting Notice

This notice announces the rescheduling of The SETI League's Twentieth Annual Membership Meeting from Easter Sunday to Saturday, April 13, 2014, at 1 PM Eastern time in Little Ferry, NJ. It provides details on the location, travel recommendations (including Newark International Airport and Teterboro Airport), and encourages members to attend, as one percent of membership constitutes a quorum. A preliminary agenda is included, covering standard meeting procedures and reports. The annual Board of Trustees Meeting will follow.

The End of Time by Dan Duda

Dan Duda, writing from the March 2014 issue of Penn Central, discusses the counter-intuitive idea that time may not exist, drawing on concepts from quantum gravity and Albert Einstein's theories. He explains that Einstein viewed the distinction between past, present, and future as an illusion and that time is a dimension affected by motion and gravity. Duda introduces the 'block universe' concept, where all of time exists simultaneously, and discusses Julian Barbour's idea of 'background independence,' where time is a measure of difference between configurations, likening it to frames in a movie. He touches upon the problem of time in modern physics, referencing the Wheeler-DeWitt equation and John Wheeler's ideas about space and time's malleability.

Remembering: Thomas Pierson (1950 - 2014)

This section pays tribute to Thomas Pierson, the founder of the SETI Institute. It details his role in establishing the Institute in 1984, his guidance in growing it into an internationally known organization, and its expansion beyond SETI searches to encompass astrobiology. The article highlights Pierson's crucial intervention in 1993 to save NASA's SETI program with private funding, which led to the construction of the Allen Telescope Array. It mentions his recent receipt of NASA's Distinguished Public Service Award and describes his passionate, enthusiastic management style characterized by loyalty and encouragement of new ideas. The legacy of Tom Pierson is described as defining the SETI Institute's DNA, and his family is extended condolences.

Rocket Scientist (on becoming a NASA Principal Investigator) by Dr. H. Paul Shuch

In this autobiographical piece, H. Paul Shuch recounts his transition from Executive Director of The SETI League to a government contractor. He describes his early involvement with The SETI League and Richard Factor, the support received, and the eventual need to find other sources of income. Shuch details his experience with QorTek, a NASA contractor, where he was tasked with evaluating a student's design for a space-borne radar system. Finding the design inadequate, he was asked to re-engineer it. This led to him becoming Vice President and CTO of QorTek, securing the NASA contract, and receiving a substantial salary. He resigned from The SETI League, becoming Emeritus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of scientific inquiry, the challenges and progress in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), and philosophical considerations of reality, time, and humanity's place in the universe. The SETI League, as the publisher, maintains a stance that supports rigorous scientific investigation, encourages participation in SETI-related activities, and fosters a community of like-minded individuals. The editorial content, particularly from H. Paul Shuch, often reflects a pragmatic yet optimistic view of SETI, emphasizing long-term commitment and the importance of scientific evidence over speculative predictions. The critique of the 'Scala Naturae' suggests an editorial leaning towards a more egalitarian and interconnected view of life, challenging anthropocentric perspectives. The inclusion of articles on quantum physics and the nature of time indicates an interest in exploring fundamental scientific and philosophical questions relevant to understanding the universe.