Drake Equation

Calculate the number of advanced civilizations in our galaxy.

N = R* · fp · ne · fl · fi · fc · L

1.5 0.5 2 0.1 0.01 0.1 10000

Result: 0 civilizations

Adjust the parameters above to explore different scenarios.

A line chart showing the relationship between the selected Drake Equation parameter and the calculated number of civilizations.

This graph represents the estimated number of technologically advanced extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy capable of interstellar communication.

The chart illustrates how this number changes based on the star formation rate (R*) — one of the key parameters in the Drake Equation.

These civilizations are hypothesized to have developed detectable signals, such as radio technology, which could be observed by our astronomical instruments. The estimate incorporates other factors like planetary habitability, the emergence of intelligent life, and the longevity of such civilizations.

Drake Equation @ Github Drake Equation @ Wikipedia
History and Context of the Drake Equation

The Drake equation was formulated by Dr. Frank Drake, an American astronomer and astrophysicist, in 1961. Drake conceived the equation not to provide a precise number of civilizations, but as a way to stimulate scientific dialogue at the first SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) conference, held in Green Bank, West Virginia.

The equation serves as a probabilistic argument used to estimate the number of active, communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy. It breaks down a large, unknown problem into smaller, more manageable pieces. While the values for most of its parameters are still highly speculative, the equation remains a cornerstone of astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, encouraging scientists to consider what we know and what we still need to learn about our place in the universe.

🛸 The Fermi Paradox: Where Is Everybody?

The Fermi Paradox highlights the contradiction between the high probability of extraterrestrial civilizations (according to the Drake Equation) and the lack of evidence for, or contact with, such civilizations.

Possible Explanations (The Great Filter):

  • 🦠 Behind Us: The emergence of life or intelligence is extremely rare (we're lucky to exist)
  • ⚠️ Ahead of Us: Advanced civilizations inevitably self-destruct (nuclear war, climate change, AI)
  • 🔇 The Zoo Hypothesis: They know we're here but choose not to contact us
  • 📡 Technology Mismatch: We're looking for the wrong signals or they've moved beyond radio
  • 🌌 Distance: Space is too vast; civilizations are too far apart in space and time
  • 🏠 Rare Earth: Earth-like planets with the right conditions are extremely rare
📅 SETI Timeline: The Search for Life
1961
Drake Equation Formulated

Frank Drake creates the equation at the first SETI conference in Green Bank, West Virginia.

1992
First Exoplanet Discovered

Aleksander Wolszczan discovers planets orbiting a pulsar, proving planets exist beyond our solar system.

1995
First Exoplanet Around Sun-like Star

51 Pegasi b discovered by Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz (Nobel Prize 2019).

2009
Kepler Mission Launch

NASA's Kepler space telescope begins hunting for Earth-like exoplanets in habitable zones.

2015
Breakthrough Listen Initiative

$100M program launched to search for signs of intelligent life using world's most powerful telescopes.

2021
James Webb Space Telescope

JWST launched, capable of analyzing exoplanet atmospheres for biosignatures.

2023
5,000+ Exoplanets Confirmed

Milestone reached in exoplanet discoveries, with many in habitable zones.