SearchLites - Vol 24 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 24 No. 3
Date: Summer 2018
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Country: USA
ISSN: 1096-5599

Articles

Alien Satellites Might Offer a New Way to Find ET

This article, by Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute, discusses a novel approach to detecting extraterrestrial intelligence. Instead of relying on synchronicity for radio or laser signals, the proposed method involves searching for evidence that persists over long periods, such as artificial satellites around exoplanets. The author references a paper in The Astrophysical Journal by Spanish astronomer Hector Socas-Navarro. The idea is that advanced civilizations might have vast numbers of satellites, potentially detectable during a planetary transit when they cause a slight dimming of starlight. This method is appealing because it doesn't require aliens to actively communicate and can utilize existing exoplanet data. Shostak notes that while detecting such satellites from light-years away is challenging, it's a feasible approach that requires no new technology and can be tested with current data.

Guest Editorial: Ironic Rebels

Written by Dan Duda, this editorial reflects on the nature of scientific progress and the challenges faced by groundbreaking ideas. Duda uses Albert Einstein and Erwin Schrodinger as examples of "ironic rebels" in physics. Einstein, initially an outcast for his revolutionary ideas in his "miracle year" of 1905, later became a leader but rejected quantum physics, even attempting to disprove it through the EPR Paradox, which ironically ended up supporting quantum mechanics. Similarly, Schrodinger struggled with the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum reality, developing thought experiments to highlight its perceived absurdity, yet experiments continue to support concepts like the "Observer Effect." Duda argues that true scientific breakthroughs often come from challenging established norms and that much of reality remains poorly understood, quoting John Gribbin on the counter-intuitive nature of the quantum world.

Minutes of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Membership Meeting

The minutes document the SETI League's 24th Annual Membership Meeting held on April 22, 2018, in Little Ferry, NJ. Three members were present, constituting a quorum. The minutes of the 2017 meeting were accepted. The Treasurer's Report for the calendar year 2017 showed revenues of $24,231 and expenses of $19,044, resulting in a surplus of $5,192 and ending account balances of $14,495. The projected budget for 2018 anticipated revenues and expenses of $29,000, with a projected excess of $0 and an ending balance of $14,795. The Executive Director's Report detailed activities in 2017, including publishing SearchLites, giving public lectures, updating the website, managing the Facebook page, issuing press releases, and serving on the IAA SETI Permanent Committee. Committee reports indicated no activity for the Membership and EME Committees, while the OSETI Committee reported on the development of an OSETI kit. The Awards Committee noted that no Giordano Bruno or Orville N. Greene Awards were presented in 2017 due to a lack of nominations, but twelve websites received the SETI SuperStar award. Old business included the "Very Small Array" project remaining on hold due to funding, and efforts to renew lapsed members through mid-year and November appeal letters. New business included discussions on the website's functionality, the "Interstellar Beacon" project (aimed at establishing a facility for optical transmissions into space), and the scheduling of the next Annual Meeting for April 14, 2019. The SETI League's Facebook page had garnered over 1,300 likes. The meeting was adjourned at 14:07 EDT.

Business Transacted by the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees meeting convened after the membership meeting. A quorum was present, and officers were retained for another term: Richard Factor as President, A. Heather Wood as Secretary/Treasurer, H. Paul Shuch as Executive Director Emeritus, and Anthony Agnello as Registered Agent. Personnel matters were discussed in executive session, including cost-sharing for the Executive Director Emeritus's health insurance. The draft 2018 Budget was adopted. The Board acknowledged the service of the Advisory Board members. Bank fees were discussed, noting the removal of a $3 monthly imaging fee but the continuation of an $18 monthly account fee, with ongoing efforts to find a free non-profit checking account. The successful eFiling of the organizational tax return via Form 990N was reported. Ms. Wood's suggestion to migrate the email Press List to Mail Chimp was authorized, though she reported difficulties with file uploading. Telecommunications updates included retrieving voicemail messages and the decision not to implement PHP-BB due to security concerns. The SETI League logo trademark was renewed. The next Board of Trustees meeting was scheduled for April 14, 2019, following the 25th Annual Membership Meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 14:26 EDT.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI research. Events include the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers Conference (July 22-25, 2018), the 76th World Science Fiction Convention (August 16-20, 2018), the Mid-Atlantic States VHF Conference (September 28-30, 2018), the 69th International Astronautical Congress (October 1-5, 2018), Philcon (November 16-18, 2018), Boskone 56 (February 15-17, 2019), the 25th SETI League Annual Membership Meeting (April 14, 2019), Balticon 53 (May 24-27, 2019), the 77th World Science Fiction Convention (August 15-19, 2019), and the 70th International Astronautical Congress (October 21-25, 2019).

Membership and Renewal Information

The back pages provide details on renewing SETI League memberships, which are issued for the calendar year. Various membership categories are listed, along with prices for ordering premiums such as pocket protectors, mouse pads, and proceedings. Information on payment methods, including PayPal, is provided. The SETI League also encourages members to nominate websites for the monthly SETI SuperStar Award.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), scientific inquiry, and the operational aspects of The SETI League. The magazine consistently promotes the SETI mission, highlights new research ideas (like detecting alien satellites), and discusses the challenges and progress in understanding fundamental physics. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the guest editorial and the organization's activities, is one of open-minded exploration, encouraging critical thinking, and supporting scientific endeavors, even those that challenge conventional wisdom. The SETI League actively engages its membership through meetings, newsletters, and online platforms, fostering a community dedicated to the search for life beyond Earth.