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Chapter 28: Problem 27

The Drake Equation. Access the Active Integrated Media Module "The Drake Equation" in Chapter 28 of the Universe Web site or eBook. (a) For each of the terms in the Drake equation, choose a value that seems reasonable to you. How did you choose these values? Using the module, what do you find for the number of civilizations in our Galaxy? From your calculation, are civilizations common or uncommon in our Galaxy? (b) Using the module, choose a set of values that give \(N=10^{6}\) (a million civilizations). What values did you use? Which of these seem reasonable to you, and why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The answer will depend on the chosen values for each term in the Drake Equation, based on personal assumptions. In step 2 and step 4, you have to define, calculate and then adjust values for each variable. Then, you reflect upon the implications of the results obtained in step 3 and step 5. There is no unique correct answer, as the Drake Equation relies heavily on assumptions.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Drake Equation

Firstly, understand what the Drake Equation is: it's an equation created by Frank Drake in 1961, not to quantify the number of civilizations, but to stimulate scientific dialogue on the odds of extraterrestrial life. The equation estimates: \(N = R* \cdot fp \cdot ne \cdot fl \cdot fi \cdot fc \cdot L\), where N is the number of civilizations in our galaxy with which communication might be possible; and R*, fp, ne, fl, fi, fc and L represent different factors influencing this number.
02

Defining reasonable values for each term (Part a)

For each of these terms, choose a reasonable value. This step requires some knowledge in the field of astronomy and some assumptions. For example, consider R* (average rate of star formation in our galaxy) to be 1.5 per year. Continue this process for every term. After inserting these values in the Drake Equation, calculate N.
03

Reflecting upon the results (Part a)

After calculating N with your selected values, reflect on the result. If N is a large number, civilizations are common in our Galaxy; if N is a small number, they are uncommon. This will give an answer for part (a).
04

Adjusting the values to obtain 1,000,000 civilizations (Part b)

Now, change the values in such a way as to make N equals to \(10^{6}\) (a million civilizations). This is an iterative process and involves adjusting one or more terms until you reach the desired N.
05

Evaluating the reasonability of the values (Part b)

After finding the set of values yielding \(N = 10^{6}\), reflect on their reasonableness. Are they within the expectations from the field? Or maybe they are too pessimistic or optimistic? Discussing the implications of these values will provide an answer for part (b).

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