Creationists believe that we are the only intellectual forms of life ever created in the universe. Scientists believe that theoretically the chances that we are alone in the universe are quite small. All life probably (always an uncertainty) requires liquid water, hydrocarbon chemicals, and some form of self-replicating molecule like DNA. By using these broad criteria, one may be able to derive a rough estimate of the frequency of intelligent life in the universe.
Frank Drake, an astronomer at Cornell University in 1961, was one of the first to make an estimate. He started off with 100 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy and estimated what fraction of them have stars like our sun. He then estimated what fraction have solar systems revolving around them. Drake's Equation calculates the number of civilizations in the galaxy by multiplying several numbers together:
- the rate at which stars are born in the galaxy
- the fraction of these stars that have planets
- the number of planets for each star that have the conditions for life
- the fraction of planets that actually develop life
- the fraction that are willing and able to communicate
- the fraction that develop intelligent life
- the expected lifetime of a celebration
By taking reasonable estimates and then multiplying these criteria together, one realizes that there may be anywhere from 100 to 1000 planets in the Milky Way alone, that are able to harbour intelligent forms of life. Furthermore, if planets with intelligent life forms are spread out evenly through our galaxy, there should be one only a few hundred light years away. Drake's Equation provides justification for those who believe that extraterrestrials are existent. It's logic formula, to a theoretical point, proves to humanity that there is a significantly high chance we are not alone out there!
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