--%>

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 : Explain Stern-Gerlach experiment

    Stern-Gerlach experiment (O. Stern, W. Gerlach; 1922): The experiment which explains the features of spin (that is intrinsic angular momentum) as a different entity apart from the orbital angular momentum.

  • Q : How elevation and air pressure affects

    Briefly state how does the elevation and air pressure affects the boiling point of water?

  • Q : Define Static limit Static limit : The

    Static limit: The distance from a rotating black hole where no spectator can possibly stay at rest (with respect to the far-away stars) since of inertial frame dragging; this area is external of the event horizon, apart from at the poles where it meet

  • Q : Difference between the electron and a

    Write down the vital difference between the electron and a beta ray?

  • Q : Define Carnots theorem Carnot's theorem

    Carnot's theorem (S. Carnot): The theorem that states that no engine operating between the two temperatures can be more proficient than a reversible engine.

  • Q : Problem on magnetically coupled pair

    When one coil of a magnetically coupled pair has a current of 5.0A, the resulting fluxes Φ11 and Φ21 are 0.2mWb and 0.4mWb, respectively.  If the turns are N1 = 500 and N2 = 1500, find L1, L2, M and the coeffici

  • Q : Explain Millikan oil drop experiment

    Millikan oil drop experiment (R.A. Millikan): A famed experiment designed to compute the electronic charge. The drops of oil were carried past a consistent electric field among charged plates. Subsequent to charging the drop with x-ra

  • Q : Problem on synchronous TDM We require

    We require using synchronous TDM and joining 20 digital sources, each of 100 Kbps. Each and every output slot carries 1 bit for each digital source, however one extra bit is added up to each frame for synchronization.

    Q : What is Meissner effect Meissner effect

    Meissner effect (W. Meissner; 1933): The reduction of the magnetic flux in a superconducting metal whenever it is cooled beneath the transition temperature. That is the superconducting materials imitate magnetic fields.

  • Q : Define Photovoltaics Photovoltaics (PV)

    Photovoltaics (PV): It transform light directly into electricity. The typical current residential installation of 12m2 could produce around 1,300 kWh pa with a peak of around 1.9kW, though larger and more efficient installations are possibl