From: LARRY KLAES (ljk4_at_msn.com)
Date: Fri Sep 19 2003 - 18:43:17 PDT
----- Original Message -----
From: SETI Observer
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2003 7:33 PM
To: List Member
Subject: Farewell to Galileo
The SETI Observer
September 2003
Farewell to Galileo
Crash a Party on SETI Radio
Optical SETI at the Institute
Dr. Christopher Chyba on CBS Sunday Morning
SETI Institute Challenge
Last Month's Challenge
Artist Rendering of Galileo
Image credit NASA
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 Galileos legacy and more as you follow the links in this months SETI Observer.
Thomas Pierson
CEO, SETI Institute
Farewell to Galileo
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. Read more
Crash a Party on SETI Radio
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. Shotak 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. Read more
Optical SETI at the Institute
An enduring legacy of the Galileo mission is the heightened sense of excitement surrounding our solar system and other planetary systems that may harbor abodes for life, perhaps intelligent life. Optical SETI is an observing technique that compliments radio astronomy searches, and as the Institutes OSETI program enters its third year, Dr. Frank Drake and Seth Shostak share their perspectives on OSETI at the Institute. Read more
Dr. Christopher Chyba on CBS Sunday Morning
This Sunday, September 21, Dr. Christopher Chyba will appear on the television show, CBS Sunday Morning. Originally scheduled to appear August 31, Dr. Chyba's interview was rescheduled at the last minute, and will now be broadcast -- appropriately -- on the morning of Galileo's plunge into Jupiter. Please check your local listings for airtimes, and as always, note that television content is always subject to last minute change.
SETI Institute Challenge
Be one of the first five to answer the following question correctly and get a cool SETI Institute t-shirt. We'll post the answer in next month's e-newsletter. Choose the phrase that best completes this statement and send your answer to newsletter@seti.org.
The advantage of the Institute's Optical SETI program over earlier searches is
the individual strengths of the partnership organizations.
the many espresso stands nearby for observers.
three photo-multiplier tubes reducing false positives.
the automation, allowing astronomers to conduct observations remotely.
Last Month's Challenge
Which statement is FALSE?
Dr. Friedemann Freund studies the "Imperfections that arise when crystals grow in the presence of, and interact with, water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen."
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.
Research is a deeply satisfying experience for the creative spirit, according to Friedemann Freund.
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.
The correct answer was B. Tholins are an astrobiologically interesting component of the atmosphere of Titan. You can learn more about what studies of Titan's atmosphere can tell us about tholins and the development of life on early Earth by reading the Voices profile of Emma Bakes
Watch for another thought-provoking question in next month's e-newsletter.
Copyright © 2003, SETI Institute
2035 Landings Drive - Mountain View, California 94043
Tel: (650) 961-6633 - Fax: (650) 961-7099
Email:newsletter_at_seti.org
*SETI Challenge
All individuals are eligible to win except for the following
1) SETI Institute staff members and immediate family members of SETI Institute staff
2) Individuals who have previously submitted a winning entry within a period of 12 months from the date of the current contest.
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