In 1961 an astronomer named Frank Drake presented the above equation called, surprisingly enough, the Drake Equation, as a method of estimating the number of technological civilizations that might exist in the universe. Dr. Drake's current solution for N is 10,000. Other solutions begin at less than 0.
I find this very fascinating stuff, I think it would be amazingly cool if we made contact with an alien civilization. Of course, if they want to kill us all I probably won't be really happy. But at least it would have happened, we'd actually know that someone is out there. Some things are worth the risk I think.
I thought about this because of a New York Times article I found mentioned in one of the 196 blogs I read (don't you feel lazy!). Dr. Drake, who is 76 now, says that he doesn't think contact will be made in his lifetime. I thought that was kind of sad.
Anyway, here is an explanation of the terms in the equation:
N = The number of civilizations in The Milky Way Galaxy whose electromagnetic emissions are detectable.
R* =The rate of formation of stars suitable for the development of intelligent life.
fp = The fraction of those stars with planetary systems.
ne = The number of planets, per solar system, with an environment suitable for life.
fl = The fraction of suitable planets on which life actually appears.
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.
L = The length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space.
If you are interested in this stuff you might want to check out the SETI Institute. There is a lot of interesting stuff on their site!
Robin
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