Drake equation info??

Question

Can anyone point me to any scientific journal articles that give some estimates to the components of the drake equation?

Answer 1

THE DRAKE EQUATION.  By: Kruesi, Liz. Astronomy, Nov2005, Vol. 33 Issue 11, p37-37, 2/5p; Abstract: Reviews the Drake Equation, developed in 1961 by Frank Drake of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia. Function of the equation, which estimates the number of technological civilizations in the earth's galaxy; Discussion of how the equation has seven variables to consider, only one of which is fairly well understood.

THE E.T. EQUATION, RECALCULATED.  By: Drake, Frank. Wired, Dec2004, Vol. 12 Issue 12, p225-225, 1p; Abstract: In the 1950s, those of us who dreamed about finding extraterrestrials thought we knew where to look: planets with temperatures somewhat between the freezing and boiling points of water. Given warm little ponds, simple chemical reactions would produce life, and evolution might eventually produce intelligent creatures. While working at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in the 1950s, the author tried to estimate the number of planets in our galaxy with intelligent, technological civilizations. The result has come to be called the Drake equation, which estimates how the greenhouse effect, which could be warming planets across the galaxy, affect the chance of intelligent life. (AN 15521521)

A new anthropic principle.  By: Khrapko, R. I.. Astronomical & Astrophysical Transactions, 2003, Vol. 22 Issue 6, p847-850, 4p; Abstract: An answer to Fermi's question, 'Where are they?', is presented. The answer is: we are alone because our Universe is bad for civilization. The combination of physical constants does not need to be more fine tuned than is necessary to permit one civilization and, since extreme fine tuning of the constants is a very unlikely event, it is most likely that our Universe is just good enough to permit the development of only one civilization. The alternative anthropic principle can be formulated as follows: 'It is most likely to observe a universe in which civilized life is an extremely rare phenomenon.

The Drake Equation. By: Naeye, Robert. Mercury, Nov/Dec2003, Vol. 32 Issue 6, p20-20, 3/5p, 1 color; Abstract: Presents the Drake equation. Frame of reference for calculating the number of communicating civilizations in the galaxy; Parameters of the equation; Values of the parameters.

Extraterrestrials. By: Farndon, John. Space (1-59084-472-6), 2003, p8, 1/2p, 1 cartoon; Abstract: Extraterrestrial means 'outside the Earth.' Most scientists believe that if there is extraterrestrial life anywhere in the Universe it must be based on the chemistry of carbon. The Drake Equation was proposed by astronomer Frank Drake to wok out how many civilizations there could be in the Milky Way galaxy. Techniques for analyzing the atmosphere of extra-solar planets using the Hubble Space Telescope may show which of them could harbor life. Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is the program that analyzes radio signals from space. The Arecibo radio telescope beams out signals to distant stars.

Why ET Hasn't Called. By: Shermer, Michael. Scientific American, Aug2002, Vol. 287 Issue 2, p33, 1p, 1 color; Abstract: Offers a refutation of the lifetime of civilization factor in the Drake equation for estimating extraterrestrial intelligences. Explication of the equation: Uncertainty of the value of L, or the lifetime of communicating civilizations; Use of data for human civilization as L; Results.

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence. By: Wilson, T.L.. Nature, 2/22/2001, Vol. 409 Issue 6823, p1110, 5p, 1 diagram, 3 graphs; Abstract: Focuses on efforts to communicate with extraterrestrial civilizations (ETC). Overview of the history of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI); Discussion of the physical limitations of the technology available to send and receive signals; Challenges involved in determining the intention of ETC signals; Proposed reasons why humans have not made contact with such civilizations. INSETS: Power requirements;The Kardashev classifaction;The Drake equation;Optical

MAJESTIC UNIVERSE. (cover story) By: Dickinson, Terence. Equinox, Jul2000 Issue 111, p46, 8p, 11 color; Abstract Focuses on the discovery of the cosmological constant, the antigravity force between the interstices of nothingness of galaxies in the universe. How the force operates opposite gravity; Role of Albert Einstein in the term given to the antigravity force; Flaws of the extraterrestrial life equation of Frank Drake according to geologist Peter Ward and astronomer Donald Brownlee.

Life in the Universe.  By: Schulman, Eric. Mercury, May/Jun2000, Vol. 29 Issue 3, p8, 1p; Abstract: Cites that astrophysicists prefer to be quantitative rather than qualitative. How they describe quantities; Explanation on estimates for the astronomical terms in the equation devised by astrophysicist Frank Drake. (AN 3205307)

Goldilocks and the Three Planets.  By: de Grasse Tyson, Neil. Natural History, May99, Vol. 108 Issue 4, p92, 4p, 1 bw;  

Answer 2

There are a few other sources for the equation. I like the one listed below which is easy to follow.

Answer 3

The information you'd need for the Drake equation would be spread out over many different articles.  You don't really need journal-level specificity, though.  The Drake equation wasn't a scientifically-created calculation, but rather a thought experiment based on rough estimates and gut feelings.

In other words, the equation is only good as a mental exercise.  Even if you get super accurate values for it's components, you'll still end up with a number that is pure conjecture.

Answer 4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fermi_parad...

Answer 5

I'm assuming you already looked at this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake_equat...

I was surprised by the answer:  2.31

though I am curious about the .31

Can you post what you find?