The Drake Equation Calculator is a tool used to estimate the number of civilizations in our galaxy that could potentially communicate with us. It was developed by Dr. Frank Drake in 1961 as a way to quantify the factors influencing the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations.
Formula
The formula is as follows:
N = R * fp * ne * fl * fi * fc * L
where: N = Number of civilizations in our galaxy capable of communication R = Average rate of star formation in our galaxy fp = Fraction of stars with planets ne = Average number of planets that could support life per star with planets fl = Fraction of planets where life actually develops fi = Fraction of life that evolves into intelligent beings fc = Fraction of intelligent civilizations that develop technology for communication L = Lifetime of a communicating civilization
Example
Let’s assume the following values: R = 10 new stars formed per year fp = 0.5 (50% of stars have planets) ne = 2 (2 planets per star with planets can support life) fl = 0.1 (10% of planets develop life) fi = 0.01 (1% of life evolves into intelligent beings) fc = 0.01 (1% of intelligent civilizations develop communication technology) L = 100,000 years (average lifetime of a communicating civilization)
N = 10 * 0.5 * 2 * 0.1 * 0.01 * 0.01 * 100,000 = 10
In this example, the estimated number of civilizations capable of communication in our galaxy is 10.