The Drake Equation Turns 50: An interview with Frank Drake

Astronomer's insight led to equation that quantifies extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way

Ordinarily, science journalists do not report on the work of their close relatives. But on the occasion of certain special anniversaries, an exception may be allowed. In this case, the occasion is the 50th anniversary of the Drake equation, the formula for predicting how many detectable civilizations exist in the Milky Way galaxy.