The Drake Equation

Somehow this seems appropriate considering we are talking about "civilized" societies.

[link|http://www.seti-inst.edu/science/drake-bg.html|www.seti-inst.edu/science/drake-bg.html]

How can we estimate the number of technological civilizations that might exist among the stars? While working as a radio astronomer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia, Dr. Frank Drake (now Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the SETI Institute) conceived an approach to bound the terms involved in estimating the number of technological civilizations that may exist in our galaxy. The Drake Equation, as it has come to be known, was first presented by Drake in 1961 and identifies specific factors thought to play a role in the development of such civilizations. Although there is no unique solution to this equation, it is a generally accepted tool used by the scientific community to examine these factors.

Post #9,766 by brettj 9/19/01 8:39:23 PM Reply	The Drake Equation Somehow this seems appropriate considering we are talking about "civilized" societies. [link\|http://www.seti-inst.edu/science/drake-bg.html\|www.seti-inst.edu/science/drake-bg.html] How can we estimate the number of technological civilizations that might exist among the stars? While working as a radio astronomer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia, Dr. Frank Drake (now Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the SETI Institute) conceived an approach to bound the terms involved in estimating the number of technological civilizations that may exist in our galaxy. The Drake Equation, as it has come to be known, was first presented by Drake in 1961 and identifies specific factors thought to play a role in the development of such civilizations. Although there is no unique solution to this equation, it is a generally accepted tool used by the scientific community to examine these factors.
Post #9,785 by Ashton 9/19/01 10:13:16 PM Reply	Some good stuff at the "f-i" link.. Some inquiries into 'intelligence' (and consciousness), done rather carefully. We're pushing the "50 years?" limit on post-nuclear survival. (was that Sagan's guesstimate?) We though we'd cooled that one, for the first days after Berlin wall came down. But today we have min-wage (or no steady wage) folk handling Russian C&C, and we have the week's events. Now we are the target for the frustration of the billions of the poorer folk re how it is that they remain.. so left out, and "what are we gonna do about it"? Remember what were the big issues in the press, media - on 9/10/01? A.
Post #9,786 by a6l6e6x 9/19/01 10:16:22 PM Reply	Yep, 50 years. I heard Carl Sagan give the talk in 1973. Alex Whom the gods destroy, they first make mad. -- Euripides

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