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4273-24 New OSETI Observatory to Search for Interstellar Probesby Eamonn Ansbro
Abstract Numerous researchers have suggested
the importance of including a near-Earth search for interstellar probes in the
search for extraterrestrial intelligence. This
paper documents some of the scientific work that has already been undertaken in
this field and my own intended contributions.
The research under discussion includes both the theoretical and the
practical. T. Roy Dutton’s
Astronautical Theory is introduced, which includes a hypothetical pattern of
navigational tracks above the Earth. Summaries
of research findings by Italian radio astronomers and Norwegian engineers in
Hessdalen (Norway) are provided to support the importance of a careful and
thorough near-Earth search. The
Italian team discovered highly anomalous periodic VLF signals characterized by
spike-like and Doppler-like morphology. They
theorize that these may have been the result of high-energy mechanisms in our
atmosphere whose origin is still unknown but which, on the basis of Galilean
objective possibilities, might involve both natural and non-natural causes. They
stress the need for further investigation using the highest scientific standards
of skepticism. The Norwegian
engineers obtained unexplained findings, in particular in relation to magnetic
field perturbations and their time-correlation with light-phenomena.
The research of both the Norwegian and Italian teams indicate that
advanced optical photometric and spectroscopic equipment is needed and hence the
possible relevance to OSETI. The
author discusses the range of optical equipment being established at Kingsland
Observatory in Ireland. The
implementation of this equipment may contribute effectively to the near-Earth
search for interstellar probes, and in any case will provide precious
information on still unexplained physical laws governing atmospheric plasmas --
knowledge that is of basic importance for fundamental science.
In addition to two robotic telescopes (36-in. and 16-in.), Kingsland
Observatory includes an autonomous robotic platform made up of optical and
ancillary devices to monitor the celestial dome.
Innovative optical instrumentation will be included to obtain spectra and
to furnish recordings in the visible and near-infrared ranges.
This equipment will be discussed in detail together with the rationale
for its use. The constant
monitoring with the proposed instrumentation will also result in data that may
support or refute Dutton’s Astronautical Theory. Keywords Interstellar probes, SETI, OSETI, SETA, SETV,
Astronautical Theory, Hessdalen, Embla Mission, Kingsland Observatory,
spectroscopy.
Author Biography Eamonn Ansbro has over 30 years experience in science and engineering, including astronomy, meteorology and industrial optics. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a past Vice President of the International Union of Amateur Astronomers. His scientific accomplishments include discoveries of a hydrogen envelope around the rings of Saturn (1974), moonquake (1975) and a nova (1976). In 1981 he founded Optiglas Ireland Ltd., which developed and manufactured advanced optical systems that were exported to 15 countries. He has written and published over 40 articles and papers about astronomy and space. He is currently based in Ireland.
Author Affiliation Kingsland Observatory
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