A probabilistic equation that estimates the number of communicating extraterrestrial civilizations in our galaxy by multiplying factors like star formation rate, fraction of stars with planets, and probability of life developing. Developed as a framework for discussing the search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
Named after astronomer Frank Drake who formulated it in 1961 for the first SETI conference. 'Equation' comes from Latin 'aequatio' meaning making equal, though Drake's formulation is more of a structured way to organize our ignorance than a precise calculation.
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