Are We Alone? π
(1)
For centuries, we have asked this question and attempted to make contact with another civilization. There is actually a fundamental equation that describes this question which was created by Dr. Frank Drake in 1961. It summarizes what scientists would need to contemplate...
(2)
when searching for extraterrestrial life. It is regarded as more of a hypothetical equation, since there is a large uncertainty in many of the variables within it. This means it does not attempt to find a precise number.
Letβs go through each of the variables individually:
(3)
N = the number of theoretically advanced civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy
R* = the rate of formation stars in the galaxy
fp = the fraction of those stars with planetary systems
ne = the number of planets, per solar system, with an environment suitable for life
(4)
fe = the fraction of suitable planets on which life actually occurs
fi = the fraction of life-bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges
fc = the fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space
(5)