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Now We're Ready

February 10, 2004

by Peter Backus, Observing Programs Manager

There are certain things that have to happen before we can observe. Some are obvious engineering procedures, others are somewhat unique to our project. Of course, we have to check out our search system. Some of the computers and electronics were left on during the break between runs and we were able to keep testing them. Nearly half the system was turned off because the observatory was going to work on an air conditioner. A thorough shakedown showed a few circuit boards needed repair. And of course we have to make sure that all of the cables between our system and the observatory system are still connected. Even in the short time since we were last here, one of two cables from the receiver was disconnected. In my experience, a disconnected cable causes a significant attenuation of the signal. Fortunately, problems like this are easy to fix. These are the sorts of things that any project with its own processing equipment would have to do at the start of the run. Project Phoenix has some other startup tasks and traditions. On the day that we start observing we set up two web cameras and check out the links back to our servers. These SETICams have apparently been a real hit on our web site, but my agent hasn't called with any offers. We also "fly" the Flag of Earth. The flag is a tradition started in the 1970's by the Ohio State University SETI program. The idea is that SETI is not conducted for a particular group, organization, or country, but is done on behalf of all people, everywhere. For Project Phoenix, we hang the flag on the wall behing our main computer displays. This usually doesn't happen until the second night of observing since we spend most of the first night characterizing terrestrial radio signals. After all of these start-up tasks and more, we're almost ready to begin the search. The real sign that we are ready for the longs nights at the observing console, is the arrival of a small white package. It contains our supply of Peet's coffee. That's Jill Tarter's gift to the team, a reminder of our home in the San Francisco Bay Area and a source of caffine for those long nights. Now we're ready.