The Drake equation : estimating the prevalence of extraterrestrial life through the ages / edited by Douglas A. Vakoch, SETI Institute, Matthew F. Dowd, University of Notre Dame Press.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Vakoch, Douglas A., editor.

Dowd, Matthew F., editor.

Series:

Cambridge astrobiology ; 8.

Cambridge astrobiology ; 8

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Extraterrestrial beings.

Life on other planets.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xxii, 319 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2015.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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.

Contents:

Introduction: the Drake equation in context / Steven Dick

Rate of formation of stars suitable for the development of intelligent life, R*, pre-1961 David DeVorkin

Rate of formation of stars suitable for the development of intelligent life, R*, 1961 to the present / Patrick François and Danielle Briot

Fraction of stars with planetary systems, fp, pre-1961 / Matthew F. Dowd

Fraction of stars with planetary systems, fp, 1961 to the present / Chris Impey

Number of planets, per solar system, with an environment suitable for life, ne, pre-1961 / Florence Raulin Cerceau

Number of planets, per solar system, with an environment suitable for life, ne, 1961 to the present / Danielle Briot and Jean Schneider

Fraction of suitable planets on which life actually appears, fl, pre-1961 / Stephané Tirard

Fraction of suitable planets on which life actually appears, fl, 1961 to the present / David J. Des Marais

Fraction of life-bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges, fl, pre-1961 / Michael Crowe

Fraction of life-bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges, fl, 1961 to the present / Lori Marino

Fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space, fc, pre-1961 / Florence Raulin Cerceau

Fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space, fc, 1961 to the present / Seth Shostak

Length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space, L, pre-1961 / David Dunér

Length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space, L, 1961 to the present / Garry Chick

Afterword / Paul Davies.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references at the end of each chapters and index.

ISBN:

1-316-37938-8

1-316-38298-2

1-316-35898-4

1-316-36018-0

1-316-35958-1

1-316-38478-0

1-316-36078-4

1-139-68359-4