SearchLites - Vol 26 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: SearchLites
Issue: Vol. 26 No. 4, Fall 2020
Publisher: The SETI League, Inc.
Country: USA
ISSN: 1096-5599
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of SearchLites, the quarterly newsletter of The SETI League, Inc., reflects on the unusual year of 2020, heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, and looks forward to future scientific endeavors.

Raising a Virtual Glass

By H. Paul Shuch, Executive Director Emeritus

Shuch opens by acknowledging the profound changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the shift to remote work, social distancing, and the adoption of new communication technologies. He notes that while the pandemic has disrupted normal operations, it has also accelerated the adoption of twenty-first-century technologies, such as Zoom meetings and teleconferences, which have become the standard for global collaboration. Shuch expresses that while the rigors of physical travel are missed by few, the ease of comfortable remote discussions is appreciated. He connects this technological shift to the core principles of SETI science, which relies on electromagnetic communication across vast distances. The SETI League itself was founded on the premise that the internet would enable a new type of collaboration, transcending physical barriers. Despite the benefits of virtual interaction, Shuch acknowledges the lingering sense of isolation and the missing elements of in-person connection, such as handshakes and embraces. In conclusion, he "raises a virtual glass" to the hundreds of SETI League members in dozens of countries, thanking them for keeping the dream alive and their efforts vital. He expresses hope for future in-person meetings and celebrations.

Guest Editorial: Life As We Know It

By Dan Duda (from Penn Central, May 2020)

This guest editorial explores the concept of life and its evolution in response to its environment, drawing inspiration from Charles Darwin's ideas. Duda posits that life, including sentient life, might be actively encouraged by the universe itself, rather than the universe being specifically designed for life. He suggests that humanity's focus on 'Life As We Know It' (LAWKI) might be a mistake, potentially overlooking life forms adapted to vastly different, even hostile, environments. Examples of extremophiles on Earth, such as those found in deep-sea vents or frozen tundras, are cited to illustrate life's adaptability. Duda references the discovery of tholins on Pluto as an example of complex organic molecules forming in environments far removed from Earth's. He recalls a debate with Neil DeGrasse Tyson on this topic and notes Tyson's evolving perspective. Duda critiques the scientific tendency to seek familiar solutions, comparing it to the initial resistance Einstein faced with relativity. He concludes by emphasizing that significant scientific advances often come from challenging established norms and questioning assumptions, much like Darwin did.

Hubble Turns Thirty

By Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer, SETI Institute

This article commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), highlighting its status as the most famous astronomical instrument, even if not the largest or most powerful. Shostak recounts Hubble's inauspicious beginnings, including its launch in April 1990 and the subsequent discovery of a significant optical defect – spherical aberration – in its primary mirror, which caused blurry images. This defect, amounting to two percent the width of a human hair, led to embarrassment and jokes, even appearing in popular culture. The article details the critical 1993 servicing mission where astronauts installed COSTAR, a corrective optics device, and replaced the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2). SETI Institute astronomer Bill Sparks recounts the tense moment of seeing the first image from the refitted telescope, which was a dramatic "OMG moment" due to its newfound sharpness and detail. This event, which led to a cover story in Time Magazine, marked a turning point for Hubble. The telescope was designed for cosmology research, measuring the universe's expansion and galaxy formation, but its greatest triumphs involved discovering the unexpected, such as evidence of dark energy. Shostak attributes Hubble's success not to its size but to its location above Earth's turbulent atmosphere, providing vision ten times sharper than ground-based telescopes. Looking ahead, he mentions the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which will operate in infrared wavelengths and probe the universe's early history. Despite JWST's advancements, Hubble is recognized for its pioneering role and enduring legacy.

Event Horizon

This section lists upcoming conferences and meetings relevant to SETI research. Several events scheduled for 2020, including the International Union of Radio Science General Assembly and the International Astronautical Congress in Dubai, were postponed due to the COVID-19 emergency. Other events, such as Microwave Update and Capclave, were canceled. Future events listed include the COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Sydney (2021), the SETI League Annual Membership Meeting in Little Ferry, NJ (2021), the Penn State SETI Symposium (2021), the World Science Fiction Convention in Washington, DC (2021), and subsequent International Astronautical Congresses in Dubai (2021), Paris (2022), and Baku (2023).

Membership and Support Information

The final pages provide information for renewing SETI League memberships and ordering premiums. Membership categories range from Full Member to Benefactor, with annual dues and life membership options. The SETI League also offers various premiums, including pocket protectors, mouse pads, CD-ROMs, and books, with special pricing for members. Members are encouraged to pay via PayPal and are reminded that annual memberships are for the calendar year. Additionally, the issue promotes the AmazonSmile program, where a portion of Amazon purchases can be donated to SETI research, and the SETI SuperStar Award for nominating worthy SETI-relevant websites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the adaptability of SETI researchers to changing circumstances, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on collaboration and operations. There is a strong emphasis on technological advancement and its role in scientific discovery. The issue also delves into fundamental questions about the nature of life and the universe, encouraging a broader perspective beyond anthropocentric views. The enduring legacy and scientific importance of space-based observatories like Hubble are highlighted, alongside anticipation for future missions. The SETI League's editorial stance, as indicated by the content and the disclaimer, is one of promoting scientific inquiry, technological innovation, and broad participation in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, while acknowledging the diverse opinions within its community.