A new theoretical model inspired by the famous Drake equation offers insights into the likelihood of intelligent life emerging in our universe – and possibly in other hypothetical universes as well.
The Drake equation, developed by astronomer Dr. Frank Drake in the 1960s, aimed to estimate the number of detectable alien civilizations in the Milky Way.
Now, more than sixty years later, astrophysicists at the University of Durham have developed a new approach that investigates factors such as the expansion of the universe and the rate of star formation, influenced by a mysterious force called dark energy.
Dark energy, which makes up more than two-thirds of our universe, is the driving force behind its accelerated expansion. Because stars are necessary for life as we know it, this new model estimates the likelihood that life will emerge in both our universe and other universes, based on varying levels of dark energy.
Instead of calculating the exact number of life-bearing planets, it compares the odds of an intelligent observer in universes with different properties.
This model suggests that an average observer would expect a universe with a higher dark energy density than ours. The study, published in Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Societyreveals that the influence of dark energy influences the formation of stars and galaxies, essential for life.
In universes with the most efficient star formation, about 27% of matter would become stars – slightly more than the 23% we see in our own universe.
Dr. Daniele Sorini from the University of Durham explains that the role of dark energy in the expansion of the universe, balanced by the pull of gravity, allows the creation of stable regions where stars and planets can form and life can emerge. evolve.
This study indicates that even higher levels of dark energy can still support life, implying that the specific conditions in our universe are rare, but not necessarily ideal for intelligent life.
This research could help scientists explore how different densities of dark energy affect cosmic structures and the potential for life in other universes, challenging our understanding of existence.
