Date: 2025-11-01
AO: ao_tar_pit
Q: Ankles ,
PAX: Sparrow, Panhandle, Portage, LeMond, Da Vinci, Tortuga, Spinal Tap FNGs: None
COUNT: 8
WOR: Drake Equation Beatdown
In November 1961 for an early meeting of what was to become SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence), astrophysicist Frank Drake developed an equation (mostly as just a thought experiment) to determine the number of currently existing intelligent species in the Milky Way Galaxy with which we could communicate (N). A simplified version is:
N = Ns x fP x Ne x fL x fI x fC x L
Where:
Ns = No. of stars suitable for life to evolve in the galaxy
fP= % of those stars that have planets
Ne = No. of planets or moons per planetary system capable of harboring life
fL = % of those on which life (even simple single cell organisms) occurs
fI = % of those on which life evolves into an intelligent species
fC = % of those that develop radio or similar communications capable of being detected by humans
L = % of time for which that communicative alien civilization exists compared to the age of its planet
The Thang:
Additive series of exercises representing each variable of the equation, with reps being roughly representative of the best estimates according to current science. Between each variable, the PAX moseyed 1 lap around the track before adding another variable to the equation.
Ns = 45 Billion = 45 Merkins
Lap
45 Merkins + fP = 90% = 90 squats
Lap
45 Merkins + 90 squats + Ne = 1 = 1 min plank
Lap
45 Merkins + 90 squats + 1 min plank + fL = 50% = 50 one armed coupon rows (25 each arm)
Lap
45 Merkins + 90 squats + 1 min plank + 50 one armed coupon rows (25 each arm) + fI = .02% = 2 tbone burpees
Lap
45 Merkins + 90 squats + 1 min plank + 50 one armed coupon rows (25 each arm) + 2 tbone burpees + fC = 10% = 10 coupon thrusters
Lap
45 Merkins + 90 squats + 1 min plank + 50 one armed coupon rows (25 each arm) + 2 tbone burpees + 10 coupon thrusters + L = .006% = 6 coupon ketttle bell swings
PAX stayed together for each round by stronger PAX doing extra reps for remaining PAX. Towards the end, some laps were skipped & reps were done spittoon style due to time limitations.
Using the numbers provided, the anticipated number of alien civilizations currently in the Milky Way humans should be capable of communicating with is 24.3. (I’ll post a link in the comments for an interactive version of the Drake Equation so PAX can change different variables to see how much it changes the final outcome.)
Moleskine:
Arthur C Clarke once said, “There’s only two possibilities: Either humans are the only intelligent species in the Milky Way, or we are not. Both scenarios are equally terrifying, but for different reasons.”
Ask yourself this: Regardless of which scenario is true, do you think mankind is comporting itself well, given the situation?
COT: Various prayers for health & employment. Wrapped up w a moment of silence & the Serenity Prayer
Tags: ao_tar_pit, Sparrow, Panhandle, Portage, LeMond, Da Vinci, Tortuga, Spinal Tap
F3 Wheaton 