Drake

Definition

The Drake Equation is a formula used to estimate the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy. It incorporates various factors that influence the development and detectability of such civilizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The equation was developed by Dr. Frank Drake in 1961.
2. It includes seven terms: the rate of star formation, the fraction of those stars with planetary systems, the number of planets that could support life per star with planets, the fraction of planets where life actually develops, the fraction of planets with intelligent life, the fraction capable of communicating across space, and the length of time they can communicate.
3. The Drake Equation is often symbolized as N = R* × fp × ne × fl × fi × fc × L.
4. While not providing a precise number, it helps frame discussions about the likelihood of extraterrestrial intelligence.
5. The equation highlights our limited knowledge about each term and encourages scientific exploration.

Review Questions

• Who developed the Drake Equation and in what year?
• What are some key factors included in the Drake Equation?
• How does the Drake Equation contribute to discussions on extraterrestrial intelligence?

Related terms

Fermi Paradox: The apparent contradiction between high estimates for the probability of extraterrestrial civilizations and humanity's lack of contact with or evidence for such civilizations.

SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence): A scientific effort aimed at detecting signals from intelligent extraterrestrial sources.

Habitable Zone: The region around a star where conditions might be right for liquid water to exist on a planet's surface, potentially allowing for life as we know it.