Astronomy 101

What is it?

Astrobiology is the studies of biology, geology and astronomy rolled into one. Life sprung up on Earth a long time ago, and in recent years many inquisitive minds have wondered about the possibility of life existing on extra-terrestrial worlds, moons or other solar bodies. For example, evidance has been uncovered on Mars that suggests to scientists that very basic life-forms may have once lived on the red planet. But the one thing that has captivated not only scientific curiousity but imaginative minds is the possibility of humanity discovering and making contact with an intelligent form of life. The Drake Equation helps us do just that.

Frank Drake (pictured above) began his work in the search for extraterrestrial field in 1960 after Harvard Graduate school. Proposing his now-famous equation at the first SETI conference, this equation is used to estimate the number of detectible civilizations in our galaxy. Our current understanding of the values of the Drake Equation are highest towards the left (value “R”) and grow considerably less concrete after each value. Drake and his coworkers have postulated that the “N” value could be anywhere from a few dozen to millions of civilizations. Private individuals, companies and philanthropic institutions have given money or time because of this equation and the possibilities it brings with it. This website is devoted to the Drake Equation and organizations around the globe who are actively searching for answers to the questions it poses. Discoveries such as this whirlpool galaxy would not have been made if not for the dedication and hard work of these pioneers. For a deeper look at the equation as well as a chance to play with numbers for the equations and find a possible answer click on the link "Beyond the Drake Equation"