L = the length of time for which such civilizations release detectable signals into space. f c = the fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space. f i = the fraction of planets with life that actually go on to develop intelligent life (civilizations). f l = the fraction of planets that could support life that actually develop life at some point.
n e = the average number of planets that can potentially support life per star that has planets. f p = the fraction of those stars that have planets. R ∗ = the average rate of star formation in our Galaxy. which are on the current past light cone) N = the number of civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy with which communication might be possible (i.e. The Drake equation is: N = R ∗ ⋅ f p ⋅ n e ⋅ f l ⋅ f i ⋅ f c ⋅ L It is more properly thought of as an approximation than as a serious attempt to determine a precise number.Ĭriticism related to the Drake equation focuses not on the equation itself, but on the fact that the estimated values for several of its factors are highly conjectural, the combined multiplicative effect being that the uncertainty associated with any derived value is so large that the equation cannot be used to draw firm conclusions. The equation summarizes the main concepts which scientists must contemplate when considering the question of other radio-communicative life. The equation was formulated in 1961 by Frank Drake, not for purposes of quantifying the number of civilizations, but as a way to stimulate scientific dialogue at the first scientific meeting on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The Drake equation is a probabilistic argument used to estimate the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way Galaxy.
For other uses, see Drake equation (disambiguation).
This article is about Frank Drake's equation.
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