--%>

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 Cosmic censorship conjecture

    Cosmic censorship conjecture (R. Penrose, 1979): The conjecture, so far wholly undemonstrated in the context of general relativity, that all singularities (that is with the possible exception of the big bang singularity) are attended

  • Q : Simulation using VMD and NMD programes

    I need the homework to be finished in five days. and could you please tell me if you are familiar with VMD and NMD simulation programs or not? I will send you some docments that I think it could help to solve the homework questions. But please send me an email so I can attached both files. all b

  • 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 : Explain Hawking radiation Hawking

    Hawking radiation (S.W. Hawking; 1973): The theory which black holes emit radiation similar to any other hot body. The virtual particle-antiparticle pairs are continuously being made in supposedly empty space. Infrequently, a pair wil

  • Q : Define Dirac constant Dirac constant :

    Dirac constant: Planck constant, modified form; hbar Sometimes more suitable form of the Planck constant, stated as: hbar = h/(2 pi)

  • Q : Define Weiss constant Weiss constant :

    Weiss constant: The characteristic constant dependent on the substance, employed in computing the susceptibility of the paramagnetic materials.

  • Q : Define Henry or SI unit of inductance

    Henry: H (after W. Henry, 1775-1836): The derived SI unit of inductance, stated as the inductance of a closed circuit in which the electromotive force of 1 V is generated whenever the electric current differs uniformly at a rate of 1

  • Q : Explain Newtons law of universal

    Newton's law of universal gravitation (Sir I. Newton): Two bodies exert a pull on each other with equivalent and opposite forces; the magnitude of this force is proportional to the product result of the two masses and is too proportional to the invers

  • Q : Physics Assignement Answers and

    Answers and explanation to all the questions.

  • Q : Radar gun problem Whenever a radar gun

    Whenever a radar gun states the pitch is 90 miles per hour at what point in the balls travel to home plate is the radar gun evaluating the velocity?