The Drake Equation
Hi, I'm doing a presentation about the fermi paradox and I use the drake equation:
Where the symbols have their usual meanings. I don't understand why this would give the number of civilisations whose EM emissions are detectable. Surely it would give the number of civilisations created in L years whose EM emissions are detectable? If somebody could explain why the L (length of time which such civilisations release detectable signals into space) would give the N value that would be much appreciated, thanks.
Where the symbols have their usual meanings. I don't understand why this would give the number of civilisations whose EM emissions are detectable. Surely it would give the number of civilisations created in L years whose EM emissions are detectable? If somebody could explain why the L (length of time which such civilisations release detectable signals into space) would give the N value that would be much appreciated, thanks.
Original post by Aiden223
Hi, I'm doing a presentation about the fermi paradox and I use the drake equation:
Where the symbols have their usual meanings. I don't understand why this would give the number of civilisations whose EM emissions are detectable. Surely it would give the number of civilisations created in L years whose EM emissions are detectable? If somebody could explain why the L (length of time which such civilisations release detectable signals into space) would give the N value that would be much appreciated, thanks.
Where the symbols have their usual meanings. I don't understand why this would give the number of civilisations whose EM emissions are detectable. Surely it would give the number of civilisations created in L years whose EM emissions are detectable? If somebody could explain why the L (length of time which such civilisations release detectable signals into space) would give the N value that would be much appreciated, thanks.
Hello there,
I do not claim to be an expert in this area, however I thought that it would be worth getting the ball rolling. Firstly, if we isolate the right-hand side of the equation before the , we get the number of civilisations who have long-ranged communications. I think that the factor is intended to take into account how long signals have had to reach our detectors; if , then the signal is at its starting point. I think that it is also important to note that signals further away were formed thousands of years ago due to the finite nature of the speed of light, so the idea of being the number of civilisations formed over time is then thrown into question. That was certainly a good point though and it is perhaps something to think about; however I think that the fact that is considered an average time of transmission somewhat rules that idea out. Once again, I do not claim expertise. I hope that somebody else can provide a superior answer to myself.
You have R* in units of year -1 so in order to get to a dimensionless number you need to multiply by something with units of year.
if you like everything up to L gives you the rate at which detectable civilizations are created and N is the expected number in existence at any moment.
if it's any easier there's an alternative formulation
N = N* fp ne fl fi fc fL http://www.activemind.com/Mysterious/topics/seti/drake_equation.html
if you like everything up to L gives you the rate at which detectable civilizations are created and N is the expected number in existence at any moment.
if it's any easier there's an alternative formulation
N = N* fp ne fl fi fc fL http://www.activemind.com/Mysterious/topics/seti/drake_equation.html
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Singer Hurt/Heal Game
- Accomodation in plymouth
- GCSE Early Elizabethan England 16 marker Attempt
- Thoughts on Drake’s situation?!
- GCSE Astronomy Paper 1 2023
- Parking
- residence halls
- Best rapper
- Edexcel GCSE 2023 Early Elizabethan England predicted questions
- history 2023 predictions gcse questions
- Who should performs at 2025 Super Bowl Halftime show?!
- Excited for Drake x Yeat’s song
- 3 artists you love, 3 you dont like
- Student tenancy takeover in Plymouth for January 2024
- Make it More Duck-ey !!
- goldie question (swan or duck)
- Eminem or Kanye West - Whose music do you enjoy more?
- any song recommendation?
- Best Accommodation for Med Students at University of Plymouth?
- Can you get the thing you enjoy back?
