The Drake Equation

Forms of organic life are one thing, but intelligent species with the technology to communicate are another. Astronomers use a mathematical formula called the Drake equation to explore the potential for advanced civilizations in our galaxy.

Developed in 1961, the equation considers everything from how many stars form each year to how long it would take to send signals through space that could reach us on Earth.

What are the chances of advanced life evolving? So many conditions need to be met that the odds start to seem nearly impossible.