The SETI Observer

Dear SETI enthusiasts:

"Venerable" is not a word I'd normally use in conjunction with a teenager, but on the eve of spacecraft Galileo's plunge into the planet Jupiter, the word works its way into a brief reflection on its journey. In the fourteen years since Galileo hatched from the cargo bay of Space Shuttle Atlantis to sojourn in the Jovian system, this amazing spacecraft has returned data that has helped shape our current thinking about the prospects for life on other worlds.

Evidence of a liquid ocean beneath the icy surface of Europa, coupled with the discovery of planets orbiting distant stars, has in the last few years reinvigorated the search for life. From the scientific data to the compelling photographic images, Galileo has returned a wealth of information to scientists and the lay public. Such discoveries have bolstered public interest in and support of our SETI projects.

After an astounding eight years in orbit, Galileo has exceeded expectations and exhausted its fuel. Soon it will plunge directly into the giant planet it came to know so well. It is with respect and awe that my colleagues and I now say farewell to Galileo, a venerable friend.

I invite you now to learn more about GalileoÆs legacy and more as you follow the links in this monthÆs SETI Observer.

Thomas Pierson
CEO, SETI Institute

SETI Institute scientist, Dr. Cynthia Phillips reviews the history and accomplishments of the Galileo spacecraft, our solar system's first outer planet orbiter. The data gathered by Galileo underlies much of Phillips' work and that of her colleagues at the Institute, and in a sidebar, Dr. Christoper Chyba, the Institute's Carl Sagan Chair for the Study of Life in the Universe, reflects upon Galileo mission and the incredible accomplishments of NASA mission scientists.

Senior Astronomer and SETI Radio host, Dr. Seth Shostak takes listeners this week to a "Good-bye Galileo" party hosted by Loretta McKibben, volunteer JPL-NASA Primary Solar System Ambassador. Dr. Shostak will be talking to Ron Greeley geologist from Arizona State University and member of the imaging science team. Captain Craig McLean, Director of NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration will also be on hand to discuss deep sea exploration on Earth and its applicability to Europa.

The advantage of the Institute's Optical SETI program over earlier searches is

1. the individual strengths of the partnership organizations.
2. the many espresso stands nearby for observers.
3. three photo-multiplier tubes reducing false positives.
4. the automation, allowing astronomers to conduct observations remotely.

Which statement is FALSE?

1. Dr. Friedemann Freund studies the "Imperfections that arise when crystals grow in the presence of, and interact with, water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen."
2. Volcanic rock may have played a pivotal role in the evolution of complex life on early Earth because during normal rock weathering, tholins were released, prodding primitive life to develop oxygen tolerance.
3. Research is a deeply satisfying experience for the creative spirit, according to Friedemann Freund.
4. NASA Ames biologist, Dr. Lynn Rothschild is working with Dr. Friedemann Freund to explore the role rock weathering may have played in the development of oxygen tolerance in primitive life on early Earth.