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A joint analysis of the Drake equation and the Fermi paradox

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2013

Nikos Prantzos
Nikos Prantzos*
Affiliation:
Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, UMR7095 CNRS, Université P. & M. Curie, 98bis Bd. Arago, 75104 Paris, France e-mail: prantzos@iap.fr
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Abstract

I propose a unified framework for a joint analysis of the Drake equation and the Fermi paradox, which enables a simultaneous, quantitative study of both of them. The analysis is based on a simplified form of the Drake equation and on a fairly simple scheme for the colonization of the Milky Way. It appears that for sufficiently long-lived civilizations, colonization of the Galaxy is the only reasonable option to gain knowledge about other life forms. This argument allows one to define a region in the parameter space of the Drake equation, where the Fermi paradox definitely holds (‘Strong Fermi paradox’).

Keywords

Drake equationExtraterrestrial intelligence (ETI)Fermi paradox
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Astrobiology , Volume 12 , Special Issue 3: The Drake Equation , July 2013 , pp. 246 - 253
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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