SearchLites - Vol 21 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 21 No. 3
Date: Summer 2015
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Type: Quarterly Newsletter

Editorial Content

Entering the Twenty-First Century by H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director Emeritus

H. Paul Shuch reflects on The SETI League's journey in adopting modern communication technologies. He recounts establishing an early website over twenty years ago and the subsequent shift towards social networking. Recognizing the need to appeal to younger generations, The SETI League launched an aggressive Facebook presence, migrating fast-breaking news to www.Facebook.com/setileague while the website now serves as an historical archive. Shuch encourages members to engage with the Facebook page for more effective communication and collaboration.

Minutes of the Twenty-First Annual Membership Meeting

The meeting was held on April 19, 2015, at Eventide Inc. in Little Ferry, NJ. Three SETI League members were present, constituting a quorum. The minutes of the 2014 meeting were accepted. The Treasurer's Report for 2014 showed revenues of $15,999 and expenses of $14,579, with a net excess of $1,421. The projected budget for 2015 anticipated revenues of $15,000 and expenses of $14,600, with a projected excess of $400. The Executive Director's Report highlighted activities in 2014, including publishing SearchLites, giving presentations, updating the website, and engaging on Facebook. Committee reports included the EME Committee (beacon off-air due to relocation), Awards Committee (no Bruno or Greene awards, twelve SETI SuperStar awards given), Old Business (Very Small Array on hold, mid-year renewal letters successful), and Annual Report (delayed pending financial information).

New business included the adoption of the draft 2015 budget, plans for the Executive Director Emeritus to draft a letter to the Advisory Board, arrangements for new bank fees and credit card processing via Square, and the search for a new Registered Agent in New Jersey. The press list is being investigated for reestablishment. The next Annual Meeting is scheduled for April 17, 2016. The "Good and Welfare" section noted the success of the Facebook page with 674 "likes" and upgrades to The SETI League's software. The sale of Mr. Factor's New Jersey properties and Mr. Shuch's parents' California home were also mentioned. The meeting adjourned at 13:22 EDT.

Business Transacted by Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees convened with a quorum present. Officers were retained for another year: Richard Factor (President), A. Heather Wood (Secretary/Treasurer), and H. Paul Shuch (Executive Director Emeritus). Personnel matters were discussed with satisfaction expressed. The Executive Director Emeritus's health insurance cost-sharing terms were reviewed. The draft 2015 budget was adopted. The Executive Director Emeritus will draft a letter to the Advisory Board. Arrangements for bank fees and credit card processing are underway. A new Registered Agent in New Jersey is being sought. The President will investigate reestablishing a SETI League press email distribution list. The meeting adjourned at 13:36 EDT.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI, including the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers Conference (Green Bank WV), Sasquan (Spokane WA), International Astronautical Congress (Jerusalem, Israel), AAAS Annual Meeting (Washington DC), SETI League Ham Radio QSO Parties, and various science fiction conventions. It also promotes AmazonSmile as a way to support The SETI League.

Financial Report & Annual Budget

Detailed unaudited financial statements for 2014 and the proposed operating budget for 2015 are presented. In 2014, revenues were $15,999 and expenses were $14,579, resulting in an excess of $1,421. The balance sheet showed beginning net assets of $4,726 and ending net assets of $6,147. The 2015 budget projects revenues of $15,000 and expenses of $14,600, with a projected excess of $400 and ending net assets of $6,547. Pie charts illustrate the breakdown of 2014 expenses (Program Expenses 79%, Fundraising 10%, Admin & Overhead 11%) and revenues (Contributions Received 70%, Membership Dues 20%, Interest Income 1%, Membership Premiums 9%).

Guest Editorials:

#### An appraisal of METI Rationalizations by David Brin

David Brin critically examines the rationalizations behind METI (Messaging to ETI), also known as Active SETI. He argues that the 'barn door' assertion—that Earth's signals are already loud enough for ET to detect—is flawed, as is the idea that moratoria and discussions are pointless. Brin points to NASA's Planetary Protection Office as an example of how society already accepts precautions for low-probability, high-impact risks. He advocates for a global discussion before any METI transmissions, emphasizing that a permanent moratorium is not proposed, but a world discussion before transmission is crucial.

#### The Goldilocks Principle by Dan Duda

Dan Duda explores the Fermi Paradox and the 'Goldilocks Principle.' He questions the assumption that advanced civilizations would use similar communication technologies to ours and suggests they might have more efficient methods. Duda introduces the anthropic principle, which posits that the universe's fundamental constants are finely tuned for life. He extends this to suggest that the universe itself might be sentient and that our 'perfect balance' of factors is just one possible laboratory for life. He quotes Vaclav Havel on humanity's connection to the universe.

SARA Western Conference, March 2015, Stanford Univ.

This section features photos and brief descriptions of SETI League members attending the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers (SARA) Western Conference at Stanford University. Attendees included H. Paul Shuch, Jill Tarter, and Jack Welch. Presentations covered topics such as the Allen Telescope Array and electromagnetic spectrum basics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SETI League, as reflected in this issue, is focused on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence through electromagnetic means. There is a clear emphasis on adapting to modern communication methods, particularly social media, to engage its membership. The publication addresses financial stewardship through detailed reports and budgets. Critically, the magazine presents diverse viewpoints on METI, with guest editorials questioning the rationale and advocating for cautious, deliberative approaches. The organization also actively participates in and reports on relevant conferences and scientific developments, fostering a community of interest in SETI.