SearchLites - Vol 22 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 22 No. 4, Autumn 2016
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Document Type: Quarterly Newsletter

"Don't Stop the Presses" by H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director Emeritus

This editorial addresses the recurring phenomenon of the popular press prematurely announcing the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence based on incomplete or unconfirmed data. Shuch recounts historical examples, including the 1960s CalTech discovery of quasar CTA-102 and the 1970s Ohio State University "Wow!" signal, as well as the EQ Pegasi and Pearl Harbor hoaxes. The most recent instance involves wild speculation surrounding a presumed detection associated with the star HD 164595. Shuch clarifies that Russian colleagues using the RATAN-600 telescope detected a brief RF peak between 10.6 and 11.6 GHz, but no spectral analysis or Doppler velocity information was possible. The detection did not repeat and was not duplicated elsewhere. He emphasizes that such signals are common and usually attributable to terrestrial RFI, satellite interference, or other mundane sources. The SETI League's stance is that detections are only valid if they repeat or are independently verified, regardless of media hype or conference agendas.

"Arecibo Observatory: Translating Ripples in Spacetime into the Fabric of a Networked Sustainable Future for an Iconic Radio Telescope" by William F. Vartorella, Ph.D., C.B.C.

This guest editorial argues for a new paradigm to ensure the future of the Arecibo Observatory, which has been instrumental in sensing gravitational waves and conducting research in atmospheric science, climate change, and STEM education. Vartorella highlights that Arecibo's decommissioning could cost $100 million, and suggests that an endowment of the same amount could make it self-sustaining. He proposes transforming Arecibo into a free-standing global Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) with a focus on the "Global South." This would involve an aggressive grant-generating policy, leveraging its potential for STEM research, student programs, and tourism. The editorial notes that Arecibo is on the National Register of Historic Places and has potential as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It outlines five possible outcomes listed by the NSF, ranging from continued operations to dismantling, advocating for a creative, "thought experiment" approach. The author stresses the need for "partners" and a "Big Idea" to attract donors, citing examples like the Allen Telescope Array and the Lowell Observatory's outreach efforts. He also mentions the global landscape of radio telescopes, including the upcoming FAST telescope in China, and the need for Arecibo to remain competitive.

Funding and Future of Observatories

The article discusses the challenges of funding astronomical observatories, drawing parallels with institutions like the Lowell Observatory and the Vatican's Advanced Technology Telescope, which have benefited from "Friends" components and strong donor bases. The need for a "Big Idea" and "Big Supporter" is emphasized, especially in light of funding shortfalls. The shift from a "state-supported" model to a "state-assisted" one, where institutions compete for diminishing federal and state dollars, is noted. The article points to the rise of the "Asian Century" and new donors in the Far East, citing the FAST telescope in China as an example of a new, highly sensitive instrument. It lists various corporate donors that have supported observatories and scientific endeavors, including Fireman's Fund Insurance Co., Genentech, Inc., and Toyota USA. Scientific organizations and mentorship programs are also identified as potential funding sources. The W.M. Keck Foundation and its "trustee discretionary grants" are highlighted as an example of significant funding. The definition of an "advanced civilization" by Carl Sagan is quoted as being "one able to engage in long-distance radio communication using large radio telescopes."

Recommendations for Arecibo Observatory

The article proposes specific recommendations for Arecibo Observatory:

1. Repurpose as a Global NGO: Establish Arecibo as a free-standing, global NGO with "flagship" status for radio telescopes in the Global South, serving as a networked bridge to the cosmos.
2. Urgent Case for Support: Develop a compelling and interesting Case for Support that embraces disruptive technologies and acts as a central clearinghouse for STEM, young scientists, and next-generation observatories.
3. Embrace the Asian Century: Engage with New Money donors worldwide who have a long-range vision for New Frontiers of Knowledge, recognizing that innovation occurs at the interface of ideas.
4. Two-Tiered Global Board: Create a board with "wealthy, wise, workers" providing financial support and conviction, alongside an expanded Scientific Advisory Board.
5. Cultivate Foundations: Develop STEM projects, potentially linked to the International Space Station, Earth Observation, or student-initiated projects like RadioJOVE.
6. Sustainable Budgets: Implement budgets with a 40% Institutional Overhead to enable timely, sustainable upgrades for Arecibo and its consortial partners.
7. Decrease NSF/NASA Reliance: Reduce NSF and NASA's financial burden to less than 50% of the total budget, establishing an independent Five-Year Plan and a free-standing Endowment. This should include immediate funding for Hispanic scientists, graduate students, and STEM projects.

The issue also includes a quote from Galileo Galilei about the future of science and a list of "Selected References" for further reading on topics related to astronomy, funding, and space exploration.

Event Horizon and Member Activities

The "Event Horizon" section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI and astronomy, including the International Astronautical Congress, AMSAT Space Symposium, and various SETI League events. It encourages members to check the SETI League website for more details. The "Member Activities" section features a photo and description of SETI League member Stefano IZ1BPN in Italy, who is using the Urania Observatory's eight-meter dish for the "SETI on exoPlanets Observed and Confirmed by Kepler" (SPOCK) experiment. The description details the antenna's specifications, receiver, and DSP system. The issue also includes a promotion for AmazonSmile, encouraging readers to support The SETI League through their Amazon purchases.

Membership and Renewal Information

The final pages provide information on renewing SETI League memberships, detailing various membership categories and their costs. It also lists "Membership Premiums" available for purchase, such as pocket protectors, mouse pads, and proceedings from SETICon and EuroSETI conferences. Payment options, including PayPal, are outlined. The back cover includes mailing information for The SETI League, Inc., and a non-profit postage permit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges of SETI signal detection and interpretation, the critical need for sustainable funding models for astronomical observatories, and the importance of scientific rigor over media sensationalism. The editorial stance, particularly evident in H. Paul Shuch's piece, is one of caution and scientific integrity, emphasizing that unverified signals should not be prematurely declared as evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence. The magazine also advocates for innovative approaches to observatory management and funding, promoting the idea of observatories becoming self-sustaining entities or global NGOs to secure their future. There is a strong emphasis on STEM education and outreach, particularly for underrepresented groups, and a forward-looking perspective on the future of radio astronomy in a global context.