--%>
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 Boltzmann constant Boltzmann

    Boltzmann constant: k (L. Boltzmann) - The constant that explains the relationship between kinetic energy and temperature for molecules in an ideal gas. This is equivalent to the 1.380 622 x 10-23 J/K.

    		•
  • Q : Define Doppler Effect Doppler Effect

    Doppler Effect (C.J. Doppler): The waves emitted by a moving object as received by an observer will be blue shifted (compressed) when approaching, redshifted (that is, elongated) if receding. This takes place both in sound and also el

    		•
  • Q : Explain Michelson-Morley experiment

    Michelson-Morley experiment (A.A. Michelson, E.W. Morley; 1887): Probably the most famous null-experiment of all time, designed to confirm the existence of the proposed "lumeniferous aether" via which light waves were considered to pr

    		•
  • Q : What is Cherenkov radiation Cherenkov

    Cherenkov radiation (P.A. Cherenkov): The radiation emitted by a huge particle which is moving faster than light in the medium via which it is travelling. No particle can travel faster than the light in vacuum, however the speed of light in other medi

    		•
  • Q : Explain quantum physics why quantum

    why quantum physics is studied? give me some of topics

    		•
  • Q : Define Pseudoforce Pseudoforce : The

    Pseudoforce: The "force" that arises as an observer is plainly treating an accelerating frame as an inertial one.

    		•
  • Q : Law of Lamberts Cosine State the law of

    State the law of Lamberts Cosine? Describe briefly?

    		•
  • Q : What is Edwards-Casimir quantum vacuum

    What is Edwards-Casimir quantum vacuum drive: The hypothetical drive developing the peculiarities of quantum mechanics by restricting permitting wavelengths of the virtual photons on one side of the drive (that is the bow of the ship); the pressure pr

    		•
  • Q : Explain Cosmological constant

    Cosmological constant (Lambda): The constant mentioned to the Einstein field equation, proposed to admit the static cosmological solutions. At the time the present philosophical view was steady-state model of the space, where the Universe has been aro

    		•
  • Q : Kirchhoffs rules or Loop rule or Point

    Explain Kirchhoff's rules or Kirchhoff's Loop rule and Point rule? Kirchhoff's rules (G.R. Kirchhoff) <

    		•