| Title: | The Drake equation : estimating the prevalence of extraterrestrial life through the ages / |
| Authors: | Douglas A. Vakoch, Author ; Matthew F. Dowd, Author |
| Material Type: | eBook |
| Publisher: | Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2015 |
| Series: | Cambridge astrobiology |
| ISBN / ISSN / EAN : | 978-1-107-07365-4 |
| Size: | 1 online resource (xxii, 319 p.) / ill. |
| Languages: | English |
| Class number: | QB54 |
| Subjects: | Extraterrestrial beings ; Life on other planets |
| Description: | "In this compelling book, leading scientists and historians explore the Drake Equation, which guides modern astrobiology's search for life beyond Earth. First used in 1961 as the organising framework for a conference in Green Bank, West Virginia, it uses seven factors to estimate the number of extraterrestrial civilisations in our galaxy. Using the equation primarily as a heuristic device, this engaging text examines the astronomical, biological, and cultural factors that determine the abundance or rarity of life beyond Earth and provides a thematic history of the search for extraterrestrial life. Logically structured to analyse each of the factors in turn, and offering commentary and critique of the equation as a whole, contemporary astrobiological research is placed in a historical context. Each factor is explored over two chapters, discussing the pre-conference thinking and a modern analysis, to enable postgraduates and researchers to better assess the assumptions that guide their research"-- |
| Permalink: | https://isulibrary.isunet.edu/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=11220 |
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