This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Describe the reasoning leading to the idea that the number of technological civilizations in the ... (Read 61 times)

Cooldude101

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 557
Describe the reasoning leading to the idea that the number of technological civilizations in the galaxy is equal to the average lifetime of a technological civilization.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Name each of the factors in the Drake equation.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

kkenney

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 352
Answer to Question 1

We know the rate of star formation, about 10 stars per year. Based on observations, we make a reasonable guess that there is one inhabitable planet in every 10 star systems. The factors involving the chance of intelligent, technological life arising, we assign the maximum possible value of 1. The only factor we have no reasonable guess for is the lifetime of a technological civilization. So one times this is the number of civilizations we can expect to find.

Answer to Question 2

Number of technical civilizations is equal to:
average rate of star formation in the Galaxy
fraction of stars with planets
average number of planets suitable for life
fraction of planets on which life arises
fraction of these where life rises to intelligence
fraction of these where the intelligence develops technology
average life span of these technical civilizations.




kkenney

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 352

 

Did you know?

There are actually 60 minerals, 16 vitamins, 12 essential amino acids, and three essential fatty acids that your body needs every day.

Did you know?

Cyanide works by making the human body unable to use oxygen.

Did you know?

The toxic levels for lithium carbonate are close to the therapeutic levels. Signs of toxicity include fine hand tremor, polyuria, mild thirst, nausea, general discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscular weakness, lack of coordination, ataxia, giddiness, tinnitus, and blurred vision.

Did you know?

Alcohol acts as a diuretic. Eight ounces of water is needed to metabolize just 1 ounce of alcohol.

Did you know?

Elderly adults are living longer, and causes of death are shifting. At the same time, autopsy rates are at or near their lowest in history.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library