Question

what is the Drake equation? (write the equation and explain its factors) Research the current values of the Drake equation factors and then calculate the number of communicative civilizations based on your research. Do you believe these numbers? If not, why not? Give evidence and cite data sources.

Answer 1

Drake equation is actually a speculative equation. The Drake Equation is used to estimate the number of communicating civilizations in the cosmos, or the odds of finding intelligent life in the universe. This is a pretty standard equation and all the symbols and terms have standard meanings.

It is given as

N = R* f_p * N_e * f_L * f_i * f_c * L

where

N = estimate the number of communicating civilizations

R = rate of formation of stars

f_p =  fraction of stars with planetary systems.

N_e = number of planets, per solar system,

f_L = fraction of suitable planets on which life actually appears.

f_i = fraction of life bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges.

f_c = fraction of civilizations that develop a technology

L = length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space.

CURRENT VALUES

R = As per the current and present estimate, 7 new stars are formed per year.

f_p = nearly all stars have at least 1 planet

N_e = 0.4 (40%) of stars with planets have a planet capable of supporting life

f_L = 1 ( still debates are going on)

f_i = 1 ( we currently know of only earth)

f_c = still research is going on, we know nothing yet, the previous and old value was 0.2 (20 %)

L =  still research is going on, we know nothing yet, the previous and old value was 100,000,000 years (pretty debatable)

Overall, this equation is pretty debatable and there is not a single estimate which we can say is accurate and reliable. So, using this equation or the numbers we know are in no way accurate.

There is a possibility that our planet earth is the only planet with life and intelligent life forms. Nobody know. We know that it is intuitive to think that if milky way has one earth then other galaxies will also have at least one but that is pretty unproved. Also, even if some planets have conditions like earth, it doesn't mean that life was there. If life was there, then where is it now ??

For example if we take mars, we are finding evidence of life like water but we didn't find any evidence of life forms. so, everything is debatable here.

so,

if we use the above values, then

N = 6 million ( that's a pretty big number, I hope someone finds us)