The Drake Equation: A Framework for Possibilities
The Drake Equation: A Framework for Possibilities: To try and quantify the chances of finding intelligent, communicative alien civilizations, astronomer Frank Drake developed the Drake Equation in 1961. This equation multiplies several factors: The average rate of star formation in our galaxy. The fraction of those stars that have planets. The average number of planets that can potentially support life per star that has planets. The fraction of those planets that actually go on to develop life. The fraction of planets with life that develop intelligent life. The fraction of civilizations that develop technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space. The length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space. While some terms in the Drake Equation are becoming better understood (like the rate of star formation and the prevalence of planets), others, particularly those concerning the origin and evolution o...