* MOOD: Always bent outta shape)(
Quotes from the original message written at 02:23:00 on 21-Apr-98
 CM>> Yes there is, how about the Drake Equation?
 PF> I don't know of it. Can you enlighten me please?
Astronomers use this equation to calculate the number of detectable
civilizations in our galaxy.
I must say I will have to go off of some sketchy notes I took a while
back and I'm sure I'll be corrected (hope I will for accuracy) but I
have to rely on memory also.
it goes something like this
N=R(fp)(ncfl)(fi)(fc)L
R - Rate of star formation
fp- Fraction of stars with planets
ncfl- number of potential abodes of life
fi- life that will develop intelligence
fc- life that will develop high technology
L - Longevity (live long enough to admit signals to be detected)
Currently N=100,000,000,000,000 in our galaxy.  That number grows with
each planet detected.  I believe that the latest number was 7 planets
confirmed out side of our solar system.
C Meekins -Internet: cmeekins@viperlink.net
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