SearchLites - Vol 24 No 2

Magazine Overview

SearchLites, Volume 24, Number 2, Spring 2018, is the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc. It is a non-profit, educational, and scientific corporation dedicated to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The issue features articles on the potential negative impacts of SETI news on astronomy, the history of a significant radio observatory, and an editorial on the literary contributions of Ursula Le Guin.

Is SETI News Harmful to Radioastronomy?

This article by Ignas Snellen, Professor of Astronomy at Leiden University, Netherlands, raises concerns about the way SETI news is reported. Snellen argues that while astronomers have historically been good at explaining complex concepts to the public, there's a growing tendency to spread 'fairy stories and known falsehoods.' He cites the reporting around the Oumuamua asteroid and the idea of fast radio bursts being alien engine exhausts as examples. Snellen believes this sensationalism, even when originating from professional astronomers, is damaging to the field, comparing it to athletes using banned substances. He urges caution, stating, 'we should be very careful not to be ridiculed' and to stop mentioning SETI for every unexplained phenomenon.

Quantifying Earth's Electromagnetic Leakage

Written by Frank D. Drake, this article recounts the history and purpose of the Naval Communication Station in Sugar Grove, West Virginia. Built in the 1960s during the Cold War, its primary objective was to eavesdrop on Soviet communications using 'moon bounce' technology, reflecting signals off the moon. The project involved constructing a massive 600-foot radio telescope, a dedicated power station, and a town to house staff and linguists. However, the project was canceled in 1962 due to the realization that satellites could perform the eavesdropping function more effectively. Despite the cancellation of the telescope, the site continued as a radio observatory, and Drake suggests that the collected data on Earth's electromagnetic leakage might still exist there.

Guest Editorial: On Ursula Le Guin

Authored by Paul Gilster, this piece reflects on the literary works of Ursula Le Guin, particularly her novel 'The Left Hand of Darkness.' Gilster describes his personal connection to the novel, reading it during a snowstorm and finding its depiction of the world of Gethen profound. He discusses Le Guin's prose quality, her exploration of themes like gender and society, and her unique approach to science fiction. The editorial also touches upon Le Guin's view that science fiction, despite its name, is deeply connected to the real world and human experience, serving as a tool for understanding ourselves and our world. Gilster quotes Le Guin from an interview, emphasizing that science fiction is not a limiting genre but a broad field for exploration.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI research, including the Twenty-Fourth SETI League Annual Membership Meeting, Balticon, the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers Conference, and the World Science Fiction Convention. It also promotes the AmazonSmile program as a way for members to support The SETI League through their online purchases.

Announcement of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Membership Meeting

This announcement details the upcoming annual membership meeting of The SETI League, Inc., scheduled for Sunday, April 22, 2018, in Little Ferry, NJ. It provides logistical information, including the venue, directions, and recommendations for travel and accommodation. The preliminary agenda includes standard meeting items such as Call to Order, Minutes, Financial Report, Committee Reports, Old and New Business, and Good and Welfare.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the responsible communication of scientific findings, particularly in the field of SETI, and the importance of rigorous scientific methodology. The editorial stance, as expressed by Snellen, is one of caution against sensationalism and the promotion of unsubstantiated claims in the name of public engagement. The issue also highlights the intersection of science and literature, celebrating the contributions of science fiction authors like Ursula Le Guin and the enduring relevance of their work to understanding the human condition and our place in the universe. The SETI League's commitment to its mission and its members is evident through the meeting announcements and membership renewal information.