We may be alone in the universe, or at least very rare. A new analysis of the Drake equation, which estimates the number of intelligent civilizations in the galaxy, suggests that the probability of finding another one is very low. This means we should cherish our planet and species as unique and precious.

#drakeequation #aliens #life

https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/05/were-essentially-alone-in-the-universe-and-thats-ok/

On the #BBC #WorldService in about 30 mins (7:32 GMT): #CrowdScience seems an answer to the question "Is anybody out there?" The program features me among others discussing the #DrakeEquation and the prospects for finding #alienlife https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct4y3v

Great to be out at #JodrellBank this afternoon to record for the #BBCWorldService #CrowdScience programme with presenter Marnie Chesterton and producer Phil Sansom. The weather played ball, so we were able to record outside. However, the #woodpeckers were determined to be heard! The program, on the #DrakeEquation and the possibility of life elsewhere in the #Galaxy, should appear in mid April on the BBC World Service and on BBC Sounds.

The Drake equation is a famous formulation for calculating (or guessing) the number of intelligent #extraterrestrial #civilizations with which we can communicate in our own Milky Way galaxy at a specific moment in time. It specifically deals with the conditions required for life as we know it to emerge, and for said life to develop a civilization that lasts long enough for us to engage in communication with. Given how big the #universe is, and the finite speed light travels at, we're probably going to be waiting on an answer for quite a while.

#RationalWiki #drakeequation #milkyway
https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Drake_equation

Frank Drake, astronomer famed for contributions to SETI, has died - Enlarge (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

On Friday, the family of a... - https://arstechnica.com/?p=1877997 #drakeequation #frankdrake #astronomy #science #seti