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
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...
