DRAKE EQUATION - HOW MANY ARE OUT THERE POSTER

The DRAKE EQUATION sets out to estimate the number of technological civilisations that exist throughout the Universe. It was conceived by then radio astronomer Dr. Frank Drake in 1961and identifies specific factors thought to play a role in the development of such civilisations. N = The number of civilisations in The Milky Way Galaxy whose electromagnetic emissions are detectable. R* =The rate of formation of stars suitable for the development of intelligent life. fp = The fraction of those stars with planetary systems. ne = The number of planets, per solar system, with an environment suitable for life. fl = The fraction of suitable planets on which life actually appears. fi = The fraction of life bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges. fc = The fraction of civilisations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space. L = The length of time such civilisations release detectable signals into space. The equation has engendered much thought and enables deep thinkers to plug in their own postulated specifics to reach their own conclusion. Carl Sagan and Gene Roddenberry were proponents of the equation and had their own theories and permutations of the formula.