--%>
Assignment Help - homework help

Explain Drake equation

Drake equation (F. Drake; 1961): The method of estimating the number of intelligent, scientific species (that is, able to communicate with other species) in subsistence in our space.

N = R fp ne fl fi ft L.

Here,

N is the number of species explained above at any specified moment in our Galaxy. The parameters it is evaluated from are as follows:

R = the rate of star formation in our solar system (in stars per year);
fp = the fraction of stars that contain planets;
ne = the total number of habitable planets per system with planets;
fl = the fraction of habitable planets on which the life arises;
fi = the fraction of such planets on which the life develops intelligence;
ft = the fraction of such planets where the intelligence grows into a technological civilization which is capable of communication; and
L = the mean life-time of such a scientific civilization.

Out of these quantities, only the first -- R -- is recognized with anything like any reliability; this is on the order of 10 stars per year. The others, most particularly the fractions, are approximately totally pure speculation at this point. Computations made by respectable astronomers vary by something like ten orders of magnitude in the last estimation of the number of species out there.

   Related Questions in Physics

  • Q : What is Simultaneity principle

    Simultaneity principle: The principle which all frames of reference will contain invariant simultaneity; that is, the two events perceived as simultaneous (that is, containing the similar time coordinate) in one frame will be apparent as simultaneous

    		•
  • Q : Explain Twin paradox Twin paradox: One

    Twin paradox: One of the most well-known "paradoxes" in history, predicted by Sir Einstein's special theory of relativity. It takes two twins, born on similar date on Earth. One, Albert, leaves home for a trip about the Universe at very high speeds (v

    		•
  • Q : Law of Machines Describe briefly all

    Describe briefly all the Law of Machines?

    		•
  • Q : What MeV in MeV photon signify What

    What does MeV in MeV photon signify? Briefly describe it.

    		•
  • Q : Definition of Pascals principle Briefly

    Briefly state the definition of Pascal’s principle?

    		•
  • Q : Explain Rydberg formula Rydberg formula

    Rydberg formula (Rydberg): The formula that explains all of the characteristics of hydrogen's spectrum, comprising the Balmer, Paschen, Lyman, Brackett, and Pfund sequence. For the transition between an electron in

    		•
  • Q : Define Josephson effects Josephson

    Josephson effects (B.D. Josephson; 1962): Electrical effects examined whenever two superconducting materials are separated by a thin layer of the insulating substance.

    		•
  • Q : Define Grandfather paradox Grandfather

    Grandfather paradox: The paradox proposed to discount time travel and exhibit why it violates causality. State that your grand-father makes a time machine. In the current time, you employ his time machine to go back in time a few decades to a point be

    		•
  • Q : Define Eddington limit Eddington limit

    Eddington limit (Sir A. Eddington): The hypothetical limit at which the photon pressure would surpass the gravitational attraction of a light-emitting body. That is, a body emanating radiation at bigger than the Eddington limit would

    		•
  • Q : Define Kilogram or SI unit of mass

    Kilogram: kg: The basic SI unit of mass that is the only SI unit still maintained by a physical artifact: a platinum-iridium bar reserved in the International Bureau of Weights and Measures at Sevres, France.

    		•