# Seager Equation

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EmilyB.Seager Equation
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The Seager Equation calculator estimates the number of habitable planets in a set of stars based on a number of  astronomical factors.

INSTRUCTIONS: Enter the following:

• N* = number of stars observed
• FQ = fraction of stars that are quiet
• F(HZ) = fraction of stars with rocky planets in the habitable zone
• FO = fraction of those planets that can be observed
• FL = fraction of planets that have life
• FS = fraction on which life produces a detectable signature gas

Habitable Planets (N): The calculator returns the number of habitable planets.

#### The Math / Science

The Seager Equation is a parallel version of the Drake Equation to estimate the number of  habitable planets in the galaxy. Instead of aliens with radio technology, Seager has revised the Drake equation to focus on simply the presence of any alien life detectable from Earth. The equation focuses on the search for planets with biosignature gases, gases produced by life that can accumulate in a planet atmosphere to levels that can be detected with remote space telescopes. The formula is:

N = N* * FQ * F(HZ) * FO *FL * FS

where:

• N = number of planets with detectable signs of life
• N* = number of stars observed
• FQ = fraction of stars that are quiet
• F(HZ) = fraction of stars with rocky planets in the habitable zone
• FO = fraction of those planets that can be observed
• FL = fraction of planets that have life
• FS = fraction on which life produces a detectable signature gas

## References

Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara_Seager)