Drake Equation

[Esoteric416]

The Drake equation states that:

N = R* (times) FP X NE X FL X FI X FC X L

where:

N is the number of civilizations in our galaxy with which communication might be possible;

and

R* is the average rate of star formation in our galaxy (number of stars formed in a year)
FP is the fraction of those stars that have planets
NE is the average number of planets that can potentially support life per star that has planets
FL is the fraction of the above that actually go on to develop life at some point
FI is the fraction of the above that actually go on to develop intelligent life
FC is the fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space
L is the length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space.

There are actually a few other variables that have been proposed, but I'm just including the first basic set.

My working of the equation looks like this:

N = 100 X .25 X .1 X .75 X .5 X .001 X 15,000

run the numbers and we get N = 14 (or close enough anyway)
That many other communicable lifeforms just in our galaxy, not bad.

So what values would you assign to the equation? Run some different sets and see what you come up with. I'd be interested to see what some of you on these boards think. Feel free to check out the other variables that have been proposed and add those to your equation if you like.

Hope to see some interesting results and comments. :thumbsup:

[Esoteric416]

LOL
Or not

[DropDeadFred]

I can't remember where I read it but after a certain point in their traval electromagnetic signal become too dispersed to be distinguised from the cosmic background.
Steven Hawking said we should not try to contact advanced lifeforms on the basis of what happened to the American Indian after contact with Europe. The Voyager spacecraft is now sending back data in a different format as if it has been reprogrammed.
In the event of contact I intend to remain xenophobic in the extreme. Reminds me of a story by James Tiptree were man is hemoraging earths resources into space for mere trinkets. 10 buffalo hides for a pen knife.

It depends on whether you believe oil came from decayed life or whether the earth naturaly extrudes hydrocarbons. The equation would greatly be enhanced if we could determine the composition of planets from afar.

NASA freaked and set the spacecraft to only relay its vitals for the time being. Maybe they're afraid of cyber warfar from howeverfar that thing is.