| Personal background |
|---|
Born in 1945, am a lifelong amateur radio enthusast (K0GAE)
from St. Clair, Missouri. Graduated from DeVry Technical
Institute ('65), M.S. from Univ. of So. California ('82)
with additional work in telecommunications engineering at
the Univ. of So. Mississippi ('84). Hold both FAA and FCC
commercial licenses.
Introduced to astronomy by an astrophysicist friend durring
our Air Force flight navigator training in Sacramento
('73-74). Under his tutelage I acquired binoculars and
later a 6" reflector telescope with which to explore.
A Master Air Navigator, I felt like one of a lucky few whos
celestual observations earned a living. Retired from the
Military in 1990 having completed a staff assignment as a
Senior (radio) Communication-Electronics Manager with the
USAF Communications Command, Scott AFB Il. One area of
responsibility was that of Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)
effects upon reliability of communication equipment.
Am interested in all disciplines of physical science,
particularly those involving the radio spectrum. Have
been involved with the SETI@home PC project since 2000. |
| Thoughts about SETI and SETI@home |
|---|
1. If the history of our own planet is any sort of guide, life begins quickly
once an inhabitable environment presents itself. Although
not exactly a mathematical law, Drake's equation makes
it clear that abundant opportunities for intelligent life
exists in the Universe.
Discovery of course, would certainly generate a Nobel prize.
So if I knew "when or where" to locate ET's signal, it would
already be done. I suspect any discovery will come through long
years of diligent effort by SETI type organizations. Much
like comets are found today, it will likely be amateurs who first stumble upon whatever is out there.
Benifits offered by distant contact could range from some
new neuclear or nano-technologies to biological life
eternal. Hollywood has hinted at more than one pit-fall in
such contact; contamination, global panic, or full blown
intergalactic war. One thing for sure, humans will not
inhabit this planet forever. We must branch out. Yogi
Berra said, "when you come to a fork in the road, take it."
ET may be the first "Fork" we run across!
2. We already transmit beacons for others to find. The
Dick Van Dyke show has traveled out over 50 light years and
can't be retrieved. Perhaps the audio is of no value to ET
but, the video rastar scan could quickly be decoded and
pictures assembled.
Basic information should be sent first but, I think it makes
no difference in outcome. Either way, I would not be
apprehensive about sending a special locator signal. If
information is to be added, it should be held to simple
mathematical demonstrations. ie. would pi still work in a
different reality; one that recognized say, more available
dimensions than we do.
3. I run SETI@home and muse about what may be found. Its
a matter of curiosity just like all of science.
My view of the project is that it must and will go forward. If not conducted by
government then by the amateur science community. |
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