SearchLites - Vol 21 No 2

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 21, Number 2, Spring 2015, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc. It is a non-profit, educational, and scientific corporation dedicated to the electromagnetic search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The issue features a tribute to Professor Charles H. Townes, an editorial on Alan Turing and the 'Five Sigma Theory of Progress,' and a personal reflection on the 'Je Suis Charlie' event.

Remembering Prof. Charles H. Townes

This article, written by H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director Emeritus of The SETI League, Inc., fondly recalls his encounters with Nobel laureate Professor Charles H. Townes. Shuch recounts being intimidated by Townes as a graduate student and later having a memorable conversation with him at a Bioastronomy Conference in Capri. Shuch highlights Townes' significant contributions to science, particularly his pioneering work in proposing interstellar communication via lasers, which earned him the title 'Father of Optical SETI.' Townes was also instrumental in procuring equipment for radio observatories and his research led to the detection of interstellar ammonia and complex organic molecules, supporting the Panspermia theory. Even at 99, Townes remained intellectually active, developing a laser spectrometer for exoplanet research. The article concludes by quoting Townes' perspective on the interaction between science and religion, emphasizing their shared goal of understanding the universe and its meaning. Charles H. Townes passed away on January 27, 2015, at the age of 99.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI research. Events include the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers Western Conference, the IAA Symposium on Search for Life Signatures, the SETI League Ham Radio QSO Party, the SETI League Annual Membership Meeting, and various other science fiction and astronomical conferences throughout 2015 and 2016, with locations spanning the USA, France, Israel, Mexico, and Australia.

Ask Dr. SETI

In this Q&A segment, 'Dr. SETI' responds to a query from Gildy, a returning SETI@home volunteer, about the disappearance of the dynamic screensaver. The response explains that the screensaver was removed when the SETI@home concept evolved into the Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Networked Computing (BOINC), which supports a wider range of scientific projects. The change was made to accommodate these broader applications, and while the loss of the screensaver is regretted, it is deemed to be for the greater good of science.

Guest Editorial: Alan Turing and the Five Sigma Theory of Progress

By Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute, this editorial discusses the recent surge in films about iconic scientists like Stephen Hawking and Alan Turing. Shostak posits that while exceptional individuals are often celebrated, their contributions are crucial for human progress. He introduces the 'Five Sigma Theory of Progress,' drawing an analogy from statistics where a five-sigma event is extremely rare and significant. Shostak argues that individuals with five-sigma intellects, like Alan Turing, are responsible for major breakthroughs. He contrasts this with the 'worker bee' role of most individuals, who are essential but not transformative. However, Shostak concludes by emphasizing that the collective effort, the 'race' rather than just the 'winner,' is what truly matters, highlighting the participation of thousands in events like the New York Marathon.

Guest Editorial: Je Suis Charlie

Written by Elisabeth Piotelat, SETI League Regional Coordinator, this editorial reflects on the 'Je Suis Charlie' event and its significance. Piotelat shares childhood memories of French cartoons and the artist Cabu, who was tragically killed in the attack on Charlie Hebdo. She draws a parallel between scientists and cartoonists, both striving to represent and understand the universe. The editorial touches upon the cultural differences in discussing religion and evolution between France and America. Piotelat expresses her sadness and solidarity with the 'Je Suis Charlie' movement, stating her desire to provoke thought and encourage people to question. She reflects on the loss of innocence and the changed perception of her planet after the senseless violence.

TVIW 2014 Photos

This section features photographs from the third Tennessee Valley Interstellar Workshop (TVIW) held in November 2014 at Oak Ridge, TN. It includes a group photo of SETI League members and space travel professionals, a photo of Robert Kennedy presenting H. Paul Shuch with a book, and a photo of mathematician Michael Minovitch signing a Cray module of the Titan supercomputer. Another photo shows attendees touring Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Announcement of the Twenty-First Annual Membership Meeting

This announcement details the upcoming Twenty-first Annual Membership Meeting of The SETI League, Inc., scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2015, in Little Ferry, NJ. It provides the location, directions, and recommendations for travel and accommodation. The preliminary agenda includes standard meeting items such as calling to order, minutes, financial reports, committee reports, old and new business, and good and welfare. It also mentions that the annual Board of Trustees Meeting will follow.

Membership and Premiums

This section on page 7 is dedicated to membership renewal and ordering premiums. It outlines various membership categories with their annual fees, such as Full Member, Supporting Member, and Scholarship Member. It also lists a variety of membership premiums available for purchase, including pocket protectors, mouse pads, CD-ROMs of conference proceedings, technical manuals, books, and music CDs. Payment options include checks and PayPal. The section also includes a form for address changes and a notice about membership expiration dates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SearchLites include the legacy of prominent figures in science and technology (Charles H. Townes, Alan Turing), the ongoing efforts and events related to SETI, and reflections on broader societal issues such as freedom of expression and the intersection of science and spirituality. The editorial stance, as indicated by the content and the disclaimer, is to present diverse perspectives and foster discussion within the SETI community, while maintaining a focus on scientific inquiry and education.