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The other thread asks about life in the universe. How about the [correct application of Drake's equation] number of planets in the galaxy that support intelligent life?
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
The other thread asks about life in the universe. How about the [correct application of Drake's equation] number of planets in the galaxy that support intelligent life?
Yes that would have been better. But if even a complete guess, a number is nice to contemplate.Originally posted by LogicalAtheist
My point is that people probably think a percentage of planets which have life.
Honestly I make no claims about the %. All I can say is universe large, must be life...
Originally posted by drag
Greetings !
10^10 is a bit exhagerated as the amount of planets in
our galaxy, don't you think ?
If you mean habitable for US planets in the
galaxy (by habitable I assume you mean we'll need
nothing more than cloths to walk around, in the
long term too) then I'd say about 1,000.
If you mean planets that COULD support in a similar
way all the intellegent spiecies that exist
in our galaxy (which I estimate at a few hundred)
then considering their enitial development biological
"form" I'd say about 10^5. (I say their "enitial
biological form" because most intellegent spieces in
the galaxy are most likely much more advanced than
we are, because we've just appeared a very short
while ago, so I presume that what ever they may've
evolved into is much more adaptable.
Anyway, I can't vote on the numbers you posted...
Live long and prosper.
Nope, a horse is approximately a particle. If we use a sphere, we have to consider the horse to have VOLUME. Which is of course nonsense, isn't it?To a physicist, a horse is approximately a sphere. I didn't think that orders of magnitude would be a problem.
Originally posted by FZ+
Nope, a horse is approximately a particle. If we use a sphere, we have to consider the horse to have VOLUME. Which is of course nonsense, isn't it?
I think 1, as IMHO by intelligent life we really mean life that is like us. And I don't think any alien "lifeform" in this galaxy would have a chance in hell of being like us enough for us to consider them intelligent.
Originally posted by LogicalAtheist
...I assume the number of planets in the universe is infinite.
As we think of it, yes. Perhaps some equivalent would exist, but then again would maths really be a judge of intelligence? Computers know maths, but we judge them not to be really intelligent...Interesting. You feel that mathematics, as we think of it, could be a unique phenomenon?
I think you'd have some problems there if you everOriginally posted by Ivan Seeking
Besides, 10^4 is about 10^6 as compared to 10^10
To a physicist, a horse is approximately a sphere. I didn't think that orders of magnitude would be a problem.
The Drake equation is a mathematical formula proposed by astronomer Frank Drake in 1961 to estimate the number of intelligent, communicative civilizations that may exist in our galaxy. It takes into account various factors such as the rate of star formation, the percentage of stars with planets, and the likelihood of planets capable of supporting life.
The Drake equation is not an exact or proven science and is often considered more of a thought experiment. It is also difficult to accurately estimate some of the factors involved, such as the percentage of planets that may support life. Therefore, the accuracy of the Drake equation is debated among scientists.
The estimated number of intelligent civilizations in our galaxy according to the Drake equation can vary greatly, depending on the values assigned to each factor. Some estimates range from thousands to millions, while others suggest there may be no other intelligent civilizations in our galaxy.
Yes, the Drake equation does not take into account factors such as the likelihood of intelligent life evolving on a planet, the technological capabilities of advanced civilizations, and the potential for interstellar communication. These factors are difficult to quantify and therefore not included in the equation.
The Drake equation has sparked much discussion and debate about the possibility of intelligent life existing beyond Earth. It has also influenced the development of programs and initiatives aimed at searching for extraterrestrial life, such as the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) program. However, it is important to note that the Drake equation is not a definitive answer and should not be solely relied upon in the search for extraterrestrial life.