For those of us who may not be math brains, this equation is a bit of a mind bender, but I find it incredibly promising as far as alien life is concerned.

The Drake Equation

This formula estimates the number of intelligent civilizations in our galaxy.

N=(R*)(Ns)(Fp)(Ne)(Fl)(Fi)(Fc)(L)

Where:

  • N = Number of civilizations we can communicate with
  • R* = Average star formation rate
  • Ns = Percentage of stars capable of supporting earth-like planets
  • Fp = Percentage of those stars with planets
  • Ne = Average umber of planets in those stars’ habitable zones
  • Fl = Percentage of those planets where life begins
  • Fi = Percentage of planets with life where an intelligent species evolves
  • Fc = Percentage of those intelligent species that develop communication technology
  • L = Average lifetime, in years, of a civilization that develops such technolog

You may calculate the number of intelligent civilizations with your own estimates here (scroll down and see the right hand column).

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