The Drake Equation

N = R* x fp x ne x fl x fi x fc x L

Where N = the number of civilizations in the Milky Way which are capable of interstellar communication;

R* - the rate of star formation in the Milky Way Galaxy (stars/year), averaged over the lifetime of the Galaxy;

fp - the fraction of stars which have planetary systems;

ne - the average number of planets in each such solar system which have an environment suitable for the appearance of life;

fl - the fraction of such planets which actually give rise to life;

fi - the fraction of life-bearing planets which give rise to "intelligent" lifeforms;

fc - the fraction of planets having intelligent lifeforms which give rise to a technological, communicative civilization; and

L - the average lifetime (in years) of such technological, communicative civilzations

Below you will find blog areas corresponding to each of the above variables. I will be posting relevant commentary (both technical and personal), references, links, photographs and diagrams relevant to each. Check in now and again...




Tuesday, October 30, 2007

The Origin of the Drake Equation

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Monday, October 29, 2007

R*

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fp

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ne

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fl

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fi

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fc

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