Researchers from Durham University have developed a model to estimate the chances of intelligent life emerging in different universes, focusing on the effects of dark energy and star formation rates. 

Despite its name, the dark energy is not actually as “dark” as it sounds :) It is only called like this because we can not actually “see” it and know how it works, yet we do know that it represeents that one secret ingredient needed for explaining the accelerated expansion of the Universe. 

The article published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society highlights how our universe’s conditions for life may be rare, yet similar life-friendly conditions might exist even in universes with higher dark energy densities. This work updates theories like the Drake Equation, combining simulations and theoretical frameworks to explore the delicate balance required for life. 

 

‍                    The Drake Equation

 

According to the Royal Astronomical Society, the equation dr. Drake came up with could give a rough estimation of  “detectable extraterrestrial civilizations in our Milky Way galaxy”.  In order to do so, the formula takes into account the number of stars that are freshly born in the Milky Way each year,  how many stars have planets orbit them as well as the number of worlds that have the potential of supporting life.

 

.

 

 

 

Compared to the initial equation, the newly developed model also considers the effect of dark energy density.

Terms of Drake equation explained

Credit: https://ras.ac.uk