Europa (Cassini images) Credit: NASA/JPL
Two Special Papers, co-authored by the SETI Institute scientists, have been published in the peer-reviewed journal Astrobiology.
"Cathrate Hydrates of Oxidants in the Ice Shell of Europa", by Kevin Hand and Christopher Chyba (with Robert Carlson and John Cooper), explores the evidence that the ice on Jupiter's moon may be thinner than previously thought, and may explain a mechanism for transferring oxygen to the liquid ocean that lies beneath the ice. This may increase the possibility of the moon to support life. Access the abstract and paper .
John Marshall and his colleagues investigate "Oxidant Enhancement in Martian Dust Devils and Storms: Storm Electric Fields and Electron DIssociative Attachment". Their research indicates that the dust storms on Mars could contribute to the generation of oxygen on Mars, impacting the potential for Mars habitability. Access the abstract.
Dust Devils in Gusev Crater, Mars Credit: NASA/JPL/Texas A&M |
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| FAQtoids |
Has the SETI Institute found an extraterrestrial signal yet?
No SETI search has yet received a confirmed signal from an extraterrestrial source. If we had, you would know about it. There is no policy of secrecy, and no way to enforce it even if there were (whenever Project Phoenix had a signal that looked interesting for even a few hours, the newspapers start ringing our phones.)
In the past, there were several unexplained and intriguing signals detected in SETI experiments. Perhaps the most famous of these was the "Wow" signal picked up at the Ohio State Radio Observatory in 1977. However, none of these signals was ever detected again, and for scientists that's not good enough to claim success - claims are credible only when they can be found more than once.
When will success occur? No one knows. It could happen tomorrow, or it could take many years. Maybe it will never occur. But the only way to find out is to do the experiment. |
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Astrobiology in Peril - Your voice has been heard!
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The House of Representatives Appropriations Committee voted to restore $75 million (out of $330 million) of the funding that was cut from space science plans. The $75 million includes $50 million to research and analysis, $10 million for development of Terrestrial Planet Finder, and $15 million to start on a mission to Europa.
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The NASA Appropriations bill will be voted on by the full House, and then again in the Senate. This is far from over -- we have much to do, and your continued support is integral to saving Astrobiology for the years to come! If you haven't already sent a letter or fax to your senator, now is the time. Take action now.
Join the SETI Institute at the Science Fiction Museum in Seattle September 8-10 and meet
Seth Shostak amid hordes of Klingons, Romulans, and other alien beings. Visit the SETI Institute
exhibit and say hello! For information about the conference and to purchase tickets, click here.
| Sightings |
July 1 - 9, 2006
New Zealand International Science Festival - Jill Tarter is a keynote speaker
July 8 - 13, 2006
International Society for Science and Religion - Doug Vakoch presents Altruism in the Universe on Wednesday, July 12.
July 17 - 19, 2006
Space Mission Challenges for Information Technology 2006 - Scott Hubbard is a keynote speaker.
July 22, 2006
Searching for Life in the Universe - Dana Backman teaches this one-day course at Stanford University
July 28, 2006
University of Hawaii - Seth Shostak gives a talk.
August 3 - 6, 2006
9th Annual Mars Society Conference - Scott Hubbard speaks on August 4.
August 8, 2006
Cafe Scientifique Palo Alto - Scott Hubbard is the featured speaker.
August 14 - 25, 2006
International Astronomical Union Conference - Jill Tarter presents an Invited Discourse entitled The Evolution of Life in the Universe.
September 8 - 10, 2006
Star Trek 40th Anniversary Convention -Seth Shostak is a featured speaker and panelist.
For more information about these and other events, check out the SETI Institute Events Calendar
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 Are We Alone? - the SETI Institute's Science Radio Show |
 On Monsters and Mutations (July 5, 2006), we look at the role of mutations in evolution – from what woolly mammoth DNA reveals
about the elephant family tree to the few tweaks in viral DNA that
could turn avian flu into a human pandemic. Also, what a chimp-human hybrid ancestor suggests about the fuzzy definition of species, and whether a blip in simian DNA could produce a giant Kong. And a dramatic monkeying with mutations:
Ping Pong by the SETI Institute Players.
Listen to this and past shows! Broadcast on Discovery Channel Radio Sirius 119 and available as a podcast (SETI:Science & Skepticism) or download from our website.
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Upcoming shows:
The Universe in Theory
When Life Began
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Want to work at the SETI Institute?
We're looking for a full-time Senior UNIX Systems Administrator
As a member of the research and development team responsible for designing and building innovative SETI signal detection and analysis systems, the position will provide network and systems administration support. In addition the prospective candidate will also provide general system administration support for users at the SETI Institute corporate offices in Mountain View, California.
Click here for more information about the position and how to apply.
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Impress bystanders while working on The Great American Novel with one of these SETI Institute pens. These are definitely the write stuff.
Check out other items at the SETI Institute Gift Shop. |
Join TeamSETI
The SETI Institute is the foremost scientific research institution focused on life in the universe in all of its possible forms. Show your support for astrobiology research and become a member today!
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SETI Institute Quick Links |
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