Drake Equation: Solving the Probability of Extraterrestrial Civilizations

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The Drake Equation estimates the number of extraterrestrial civilizations capable of communication based on several factors, including star formation rates and the likelihood of planets supporting life. Calculations show varying results for civilizations per galaxy and per universe depending on the extinction rate used, with estimates ranging from 0.347 to over 3,000 civilizations in the universe. The equation relies heavily on assumptions, leading to debates about its validity and scientific merit. Critics argue that the reliance on assumptions undermines its status as a true equation. Ultimately, the Drake Equation serves more as a framework for discussion about extraterrestrial life than a definitive scientific solution.
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Drake Equasion Solved...

Drake Equasion:
N_c = R_0 f_p n_e f_1 f_i f_c L_t

N_c = \frac{R_0 f_p n_e f_1 f_i f_c N_s}{R_e}

N_u = N_g R_0 f_p n_e f_1 f_i f_c L_t

N_u = \frac{N_g R_0 f_p n_e f_1 f_i f_c N_s}{R_e}

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:
r_c = \sqrt[3]{ \frac{3 V_u}{4 \pi N_u} }

(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
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All non-observable values rejected.
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Reference:
http://www.obspm.fr/encycl/catalog.html
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Astronomy news on Phys.org
"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.
 
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