The SETI Observer

In this Edition

>> No Surprise - Titan is Full of Surprises

>> Help the Search - Voluteer at the SETI Institute

>>Rockets vs. Radio

>> Airplane Observatory’s Eye Unveiled

>> Intelligent Evolution

>>SETI Challenge

>Last Month’s Challenge

A Good Mystery

The Cassini – Huygens Mission to Saturn has already provided a tantalizing preview of the discoveries and new puzzles that will engage scientists and the public alike as the closest examination of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, continues through the next several months. Edna DeVore discusses the history and the exciting revelations so far in "Titan: A Good Mystery" at:
http://www.seti.org/site/apps/nl/content2.asp?c=ktJ2J9MMIsE&b=194993&ct=284827

Help the Search - Volunteer at the SETI Institute

Are you interested in working with the SETI staff?  Do you have some time you’d like to spend assisting the SETI Institute with your skills?  Volunteer opportunities are described on the web at:
http://www.seti.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp?c=ktJ2J9MMIsE&b=229327

Rockets vs. Radio

Rather than utilizing radio or light transmissions, would aliens prefer the potentially cheaper method of sending physical messages?  A recent article suggests this possibility.  Dr. Seth Shostak examines this theory in his essay "Does ET Use Snail Mail", found at:
http://www.seti.org/site/apps/nl/content2.asp?c=ktJ2J9MMIsE&b=194993&ct=220877

This contention was also the subject of a recent episode of the SETI Institute’s radio program "Are We Alone?" where Dr. Seth Shostak and Dr. Frank Drake debate with one of the authors of the study, Dr. Christopher Rose.  Listen to this program at: http://www.seti.org/atf/cf/%7BB0D4BC0E-D59B-4CD0-9E79-113953A58644%7D/09_26_04ETsnailmail.mp3

Other shows are available at the "Are We Alone" archives at:
http://www.seti.org/site/pp.asp?c=ktJ2J9MMIsE&b=181442

Airplane Observatory's Eye Unveiled

NASA’s project SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy) has reached a new milestone with the completion of the airborne observatory’s telescopic mirror. Read more about this mission and the SETI Institute’s public and education activities relating to SOFIA at:
http://www.seti.org/site/pp.asp?c=ktJ2J9MMIsE&b=229207

Intelligent Evolution

While the possibility of extraterrestrial life in our galaxy is high, how probable is intelligent life? Behavioral biologist Lori Marino, of Emory University and the SETI Institute, and her colleagues are unraveling the history of intelligence in whales and dolphins to help answer this question. To find out more about the evolution of intelligence, read Seth Shostak’s article at:
http://www.seti.org/site/apps/nl/content2.asp?c=ktJ2J9MMIsE&b=194993&ct=279577

SETI Challenge

Be one of the first five readers to answer the following question correctly and get a cool SETI Institute T-shirt. We’ll post the answer in the nexte-newsletter.

Choose the phrase that best completes this statement and send your answer to: newsletter@seti.org

Using rockets for interstellar messaging:

1. Is the most time-efficient method.

2. Is most likely to be an alien civilization’s choice for data transmission.

3. May cost more than radio/light transmission if the rocketry, fuel, and other “packaging” costs are included.

4. Makes it easier for recipients to decipher the message.

Previous Challenge

Congratulations to the winners of the previous Challenge, where we asked you to choose the phrase that best completed the following statement:

The Klumpke-Roberts Award recognizes:

  A. Innovative astrobiology research.
  B. Outstanding contributions to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy.
  C. Outstanding achievement in mathematics and physics.
  D. Innovative thinking in the field of pumpkin carving.

The correct answer was: B