The Drake equation

N = Rstar* fplanets * nhab * flife * fintel * ftechn * L

ftechn -- the fraction of those planets with intelligent life on which technological civilizations arise.

The difference between just "intelligent" and "technological" might be the same as between our tool-using ancestors 100,000 years ago and today's humans.

We really have no idea.

Back Next

Back to Lecture 27 outline

Back to lectures page

Back to main course page