Abstract 5

A Prototype Optical SETI Observatory

The Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (OSETI) is based on the premise that there are ETIs within our galaxy which are targeting star systems like our own with free-space laser beams.  Upon these beams will ride attention-getting beacon signals and wideband data channels.  Perhaps the wideband channels form part of a Galactic Information Superhighway - a Galactic Internet to which we are presently oblivious.   The Columbus Optical SETI (COSETI) Observatory described in this paper is intended to be a prototype observatory which might lead to a new renaissance in both optical SETI and optical astronomy.  It is hoped that the observatory design will be emulated by both the professional and amateur communities.  The modern-day OSETI observatory is one that is more affordable than ever.  With the aid of reasonably priced automatic telescopes, low-cost PCs, software and signal processing boards, Optical SETI can become accessible to all nations, professional scientific groups, amateur astronomy societies and even individuals.

• Paper 5