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THE DRAKE EQUATION
The Drake Equation was formulated by Dr. Frank Drake in 1960.
This equation is used as a method for estimating the number of extraterrestrial
civilizations in our galaxy, which we might come in contact with.
The Drake Equation attempts to quantify the number of these extraterrestrial civilizations and uses seven variables
thought to play a role in the development of such civilizations:
N = R*. fp. ne. fl. fi. fc. L
Where ...
N = The number of communicative civilizations
R* = The rate of formation of suitable stars
fp = The fraction of those stars with planets
ne = The number of Earth-like worlds per planetary system
fl = The fraction of those Earth-like planets where life actually develops
fi = The fraction of life sites where intelligence develops
fc = The fraction of communicative planets (those on which electromagnetic communications technology develops)
L = The "lifetime" of communicating civilizations
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