SearchLites - Vol 20 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 20 No. 4
Date: Autumn 2014
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Type: Quarterly Newsletter

Anthropocentric Deception by Dan Duda

This article, reprinted from Penn Central, a Central PA Mensa newsletter, argues that anthropocentrism, the belief that humans are central, still permeates scientific thinking. The author expresses respect for SETI's mission but suggests their target may be too narrow, focusing on 'life as we know it' (LAWKI). The piece explores the idea, posited by some cosmologists, that the universe itself might possess a consciousness, and humans are a means for the universe to know itself. The author draws a parallel between a single cell in the human body and humans in the universe, suggesting we might be 'engineered' for a purpose we don't fully comprehend.

The article encourages a search for 'life as we do not know it,' using the Sun as an example of a potentially conscious entity beyond human comprehension. It then pivots to the real-world implications of anthropocentrism, particularly concerning humanity's impact on Earth, referencing Carl Sagan's warnings about ignorance and power leading to disaster. The author stresses the need to avoid misinformation and focus on solving environmental issues.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI research, inviting SETI League members to attend and contribute information. Events include the International Astronautical Congress in Toronto (Sept-Oct 2014) and Jerusalem (Oct 2015), AMSAT Annual Meeting in Baltimore (Oct 2014), Tennessee Valley Interstellar Workshop (Nov 2014), Philcon 2014 (Nov 2014), Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers Western Conference (Mar 2015), Balticon 49 (May 2015), and various World Science Fiction Conventions.

It also announces the annual SETI League Ham Radio QSO Party on April 18, 2015, and April 16, 2016, and the SETI League Annual Membership Meeting on April 19, 2015, and April 17, 2016, both held in Little Ferry, NJ.

Two photos accompany this section: one of SETI League executive director emeritus H. Paul Shuch with Nobel laureate Dr. John Mather and his wife Jane at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and another of Shuch with astrophysicist Joe Taylor, K1JT, at the same location.

Guest Editorial: The Search Gets Harder by Jill Tarter

Jill Tarter, a prominent figure in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, discusses the increasing difficulty in funding and sustaining scientific projects, particularly those with long-term goals like SETI. She notes that while governments once prioritized space exploration, austerity budgets and a suspicion of science now threaten such endeavors. Tarter recounts her own experience, including the termination of NASA funding for the SETI Institute in 1993, leading to reliance on private donations and temporary shutdowns due to financial constraints.

The editorial highlights the broader issue of politicians neglecting investment in science and technology, which she argues is crucial for human survival and addressing global challenges like climate change. Tarter advocates for a 'long view' in policy-making, extending beyond immediate political cycles to consider future generations. She emphasizes the importance of robust public education in science, math, language, and history to combat ignorance and bias.

Tarter points to NASA's Kepler Telescope as an example of how scientific discovery can legitimize fields like SETI by revealing the abundance of potentially habitable planets. She concludes by expressing a personal hope of detecting extraterrestrial technology within her lifetime, viewing it as an opportunity to understand humanity's place in the cosmos, but stresses the need for a unified global society to ensure long-term technological survival.

New Horizon - Hubble Hunts KBOs by Paul Gilster

This article, reprinted from the Centauri Dreams blog, discusses the ongoing search for Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) to serve as potential targets for the New Horizons spacecraft after its Pluto/Charon flyby in 2015. While the Hubble Space Telescope is often associated with deep space imaging, it is now being employed to find these smaller, darker objects against the vastness of the Sagittarius starfield.

The search is challenging, as existing KBO candidates identified by the Subaru Telescope and Magellan Telescopes are not within New Horizons' maneuverability range. The article explains that Hubble's ability to track objects moving against background stars will be crucial. If initial observations are successful, further time will be allocated to search a field of view equivalent to the full moon.

The author expresses hope that Hubble's contribution will be as significant as its previous discoveries, such as the moons of Pluto/Charon and its role in the Dawn mission. The article also looks forward to the James Webb Space Telescope's potential accomplishments.

Fourteen and Twenty... by Dr. H. Paul Shuch

This section features a poem by Dr. H. Paul Shuch, intended as a mnemonic device for students to remember the frequency of the familiar 23 cm neutral hydrogen line (1420.4057517 MHz). The poem highlights the hydrogen atom's abundance in space and its role in emissions that can be detected and used for communication with extraterrestrial intelligence.

Membership and Renewal Information

The final page provides details for renewing SETI League memberships, outlining various membership categories and their corresponding annual dues. It also lists available membership premiums, such as pocket protectors, mouse pads, CD-ROMs of conference proceedings, books, and music CDs. The page includes information on how to order these items and offers a 'SETI Nerd Gift Set' at a discounted price for members. It also details how to pay dues via PayPal and provides contact information for the SETI League.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the philosophical and scientific implications of searching for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), the challenges of funding scientific research, the importance of education, and the ongoing exploration of space. The editorial stance, as expressed through the articles and the organization's mission, is one of promoting scientific inquiry, advocating for long-term scientific investment, and fostering a broader understanding of humanity's place in the universe. There is a clear emphasis on critical thinking, avoiding anthropocentric biases, and addressing real-world environmental concerns alongside the pursuit of cosmic discovery.