Drake Equation

N = R* × Fp × Ne × Fl × Fi × Fc × L

Are we alone in the Universe?

Estimate the number of detectable alien civilizations in the Milky Way using the Drake Equation.

Learning Goals:

  • to think about the size and composition of the galaxy and how it affects the possibility of intelligent life
  • to understand and estimate the terms of the Drake Equation
  • to compare your initial guess with the final value