This question was asked by Trace Wilkins: “What is your opinion on aliens?”

Response: That is a very interesting question Trace. To answer, I turn to the Drake Equation. The Drake Equation is an equation proposed by astronomer Frank Drake. Here is the equation.

N=R* fp ne fl fi fc L

VARIABLE                                                                                                         BEST ESTIMATED VALUE

N- Number of alien civilzations trying to contact us now                    50

R*-  Annual rate of formation for sun-like stars                                     10

fp- Fraction of stars with planets                                                                .5

ne- Number of habitable planets per system                                            2

fl- Fraction of planets where life evolves                                                  .5

fi- Fraction of planets where intelligence evolves                                  .1

fc- Fraction of intelligent races with communications technology   .1

L- Lifetime of technological civilization                                                    1,000

So, as the math currently stands, there should be just about 50 civlizations out there trying to talk right now. But the question is, should we pick up the phone?