The Drake Equation is an equation that was developed to help us determine what life exists in our universe beyond planet Earth. In class, we have been doing much work with the Drake Equation, including filling it out ourselves using our own estimates. But…is the Drake Equation useful or even worth our time?
If you are not familiar with the Drake Equation, it is a formula that requires a significant number of estimations. And these estimations are not as simple as the amount of jelly beans in a jar. Instead, they are incredibly broad concepts that are virtually impossible to know accurately. For example, how many life supporting planets exist PER solar system? We don’t know of any life beyond our solar system so how can we begin guessing this percentage for millions of other systems?
So, with such difficult questions that no one truly has a strong estimate of, is the Drake Equation necessary? Sure, if we knew the figures better it could be effective in calculating how much life exists in our universe, but what’s the point? In my opinion, it is good that we have the equation so we can focus our research better. However, I don’t think it will be an equation that we actually use in my generation’s lifetime.
