The Drake Equation
eBook - PDF

The Drake Equation

Estimating the Prevalence of Extraterrestrial Life through the Ages

  1. 344 pages
  2. English
  3. PDF
  4. Available on iOS & Android
eBook - PDF

The Drake Equation

Estimating the Prevalence of Extraterrestrial Life through the Ages

About this book

In this compelling book, leading scientists and historians explore the Drake Equation, which guides modern astrobiology's search for life beyond Earth. First used in 1961 as the organising framework for a conference in Green Bank, West Virginia, it uses seven factors to estimate the number of extraterrestrial civilisations in our galaxy. Using the equation primarily as a heuristic device, this engaging text examines the astronomical, biological, and cultural factors that determine the abundance or rarity of life beyond Earth and provides a thematic history of the search for extraterrestrial life. Logically structured to analyse each of the factors in turn, and offering commentary and critique of the equation as a whole, contemporary astrobiological research is placed in a historical context. Each factor is explored over two chapters, discussing the pre-conference thinking and a modern analysis, to enable postgraduates and researchers to better assess the assumptions that guide their research.

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Information

Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Year
2015
Print ISBN
9781107073654
eBook ISBN
9781316382981
Topic
Physical Sciences
Subtopic
Astronomy & Astrophysics

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Half-title
  3. Series information
  4. Title page
  5. Copyright information
  6. Dedication
  7. Table of contents
  8. List of contributors
  9. Foreword
  10. Preface
  11. Acknowledgments
  12. Introduction: The Drake Equation in context
  13. 1 Rate of formation of stars suitable for the development of intelligent life, R*, pre-1961
  14. 2 Rate of formation of stars suitable for the development of intelligent life, R*, 1961 to the present
  15. 3 Fraction of stars with planetary systems, f<sub>p</sub>, pre-1961
  16. 4 Fraction of stars with planetary systems, f<sub>p</sub>, 1961 to the present
  17. 5 Number of planets, per solar system, with an environment suitable for life, n<sub>e</sub>, pre-1961
  18. 6 Number of planets, per solar system, with an environment suitable for life, n<sub>e</sub>, 1961 to the present
  19. 7 Fraction of suitable planets on which life actually appears, f<sub>l</sub>, pre-1961
  20. 8 Fraction of suitable planets on which life actually appears, f<sub>l</sub>, 1961 to the present
  21. 9 Fraction of life-bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges, f<sub>i</sub>, pre-1961
  22. 10 Fraction of life-bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges, f<sub>i</sub>, 1961 to the present
  23. 11 Fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space, f<sub>c</sub>, pre-1961
  24. 12 Fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space, f<sub>c</sub>, 1961 to the present
  25. 13 Length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space, L, pre-1961
  26. 14 Length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space, L, 1961 to the present
  27. Afterword
  28. Index

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Yes, you can access The Drake Equation by Douglas A. Vakoch,Matthew F. Dowd in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Physical Sciences & Astronomy & Astrophysics. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.