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But is it Professional?

December 02, 2003

by Dr. Jill Tarter, Center for SETI Research Director

SETIcam viewers might be wondering why our observing consoles currently host a menagerie.  It may be hard for web visitors to see, but these creatures are winter beasts, wrapped in scarves and earmuffs -- and in some cases, carrying candy and presents.  Last month, you may have been thinking about Thanksgiving, but the island of Puerto Rico is barely able to contain its eagerness for Christmas season preparations.  By Puerto Rican Discovery Day (November 19th) the aisles of our local Walmart were filling with lights, artificial trees, and all manner of holiday accoutrements.  That store is where I found my winter-folk and decided, when in Rome

Since were a multi-denominational group of researchers, I avoided any particular holiday reference, shopping only for decorations that indicated good will and displayed a bit of whimsy.  So far the only concerns Ive heard from my colleagues are that they must keep an errant leg or ear from hiding any data on our large display screens.  The observatory staff has noticed, however, and they now find additional reasons to stop by to chat and comment about the decorations a gesture they appreciate.

As our run progresses, I know well find more excuses to drive along the local roads after dark.  The mountains surrounding the observatory transform into a blazing fantasy land of homes and entire streets, lit up with colored and white lights.  At this time of year one realizes just how many people actually live along the local winding and convoluted streets.  During the rest of the year, the verdant vegetation hides most of these houses from sight, but during the extended Christmas season they blossom into explosions of light.

I hear from Jean Davis, who lived here for many years while her husband Mike was the Arecibo Observatory Director, that theres a pragmatic aspect to all this extravagant display.  The local custom is that the lights cannot go on until this years new paint has been applied to the house.  Interestingly, the painting seems to get done by the women of the house at least thats what Ive noticed during my daytime drives.  Given all the weeks of rain weve been having, the light show may be a bit delayed this year.

So seasonal decorating is all very Puerto Rican, but is it professional?  Anyone who has ever seen my office can attest that I think so.  I dont have any winter beasts on display, but in addition to the traditional photos of family members, I have lots of astronomically symbolic items as well as mementoes from meetings, observatories, and colleagues from around the world, also the cast of a dinosaur skull (a small one!).

I spend a lot of time in my office and I see no reason not to have it reflect the things I enjoy in life.  We spend a lot of time at our observing consoles here at Arecibo, and I see no reason that it shouldnt also be enjoyable!  Plus, the decorations provide me with a good tool for keeping down the clutter and mess thats often associated with observing if winter beasts are already occupying the surfaces, then we must put away whatever is in our hands instead of just tossing it down.  Finally, the holiday lights at our feet are heat generators youll appreciate that if you come to visit.