Drake Equation: Solving the Probability of Extraterrestrial Civilizations

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In summary, the Drake Equation attempts to estimate the number of alien civilizations capable of contacting us based on seven assumptions. However, it is not considered a true equation as it relies on assumptions rather than concrete data.
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Orion1
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Drake Equasion Solved...

Drake Equasion:
[tex]N_c = R_0 f_p n_e f_1 f_i f_c L_t[/tex]

[tex]N_c = \frac{R_0 f_p n_e f_1 f_i f_c N_s}{R_e}[/tex]

[tex]N_u = N_g R_0 f_p n_e f_1 f_i f_c L_t[/tex]

[tex]N_u = \frac{N_g R_0 f_p n_e f_1 f_i f_c N_s}{R_e}[/tex]

R0 = 4 stars*yr^-1
fp = (105/145)
ne = (1/105)
f1 = (1/128)
fi = (1/13.6*10^6)
fc = 1
Ns = 13.6*10^6 global species
Re = 8.76*10^3 species*yr^-1 (hr^-1)
Lt = (Ns/Re) = 1552.511 yrs

Ng = 1.425*10^7 galaxies/Universe

(Re = hr^-1):
Nc = 2.436*10^-8 civilizations/galaxy
Nc^-1 = 4.103*10^7 galaxies/civilization
Nu = (Nc* Ng) = 0.347 civilizations/Universe

(Re = dy^-1):
Nc = 5.848*10^-7 civilizations/galaxy
Nc^-1 = 1.709*10^6 galaxies/civilization
Nu = (Nc* Ng) = 8.337 civilizations/Universe

(Re = mo^-1):
Nc = 1.778*10^-5 civilizations/galaxy
Nc^-1 = 5.621*10^4 galaxies/civilization
Nu = (Nc*Ng) = 253.584 civilizations/Universe

(Re = yr^-1):
Nc = 2.134*10^-4 civilizations/galaxy
Nc^-1 = 4684.615 galaxies/civilization
Nu = (Nc* Ng) = 3043.017 civilizations/Universe

Extra-civilization Range:
[tex]r_c = \sqrt[3]{ \frac{3 V_u}{4 \pi N_u} }[/tex]

(Re = hr^-1):
rc = 25.060 BLy

(Re = dy^-1):
rc = 8.687 BLy

(Re = mo^-1):
rc = 2.783 BLy

(Re = yr^-1):
rc = 1.215 BLy

Nc - civilizations/galaxy
Nu - civilizations/Universe
R0 - galaxy stellar formation rate
fp - stellar planetary fraction
ne - planetary bioecology
f1 - bioecological genesis
fi - Intelligence fraction
fc - Intelligence communication
Ns - total global species population
Re - total global species extinction rate
Lt - global extinction lifetime


All non-observable values rejected.


Reference:
http://www.obspm.fr/encycl/catalog.html [Broken]
 
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  • #2
"How many alien civilizations are capable of contacting us? In 1961, radio astronomer Frank Drake presented an equation designed to estimate that number on the basis of seven assumptions. For now, the Drake Equation tells you more about your own views on life in the universe than about scientific fact."

Reference:
http://www.msnbc.com/modules/drake/default.asp

The "Drake Equation" was based on assumptions made by one man. Anyone else can make assumptions, but mine would be no more or less "accurate" than Drake's. With the key word being assumption, there is so much to be variable that I don't think that it actually deserves to be called an equation. If it is assumptions, there is no equation to solve. Just my current opinion.
 

1. What is the Drake Equation?

The Drake Equation is a probabilistic argument created by astronomer Frank Drake in 1961 to estimate the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy.

2. How is the Drake Equation calculated?

The Drake Equation is calculated by multiplying several factors, including the average rate of star formation, the fraction of stars that have planets, the number of planets per star that could potentially support life, the fraction of those planets that actually develop life, the fraction of life-bearing planets that develop intelligent life, and the fraction of intelligent civilizations that develop technology capable of interstellar communication.

3. Is the Drake Equation accurate?

The Drake Equation is not considered accurate, as it relies on many unknown variables and assumptions. It is meant to be a starting point for discussions and research on the topic of extraterrestrial civilizations.

4. What is the purpose of the Drake Equation?

The purpose of the Drake Equation is to provide a framework for discussing the probability of extraterrestrial civilizations and to encourage scientific research in this field.

5. Has the Drake Equation been used to find evidence of extraterrestrial life?

No, the Drake Equation has not been used to find evidence of extraterrestrial life. It is a theoretical concept and has not been proven or tested. However, it has sparked further scientific research and discussions on the topic of extraterrestrial life.

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