Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 May 2016
N = RsfpneflfifcL. This well known Drake equation denoting the number N of civilizations in the Galaxy, includes a factor fp that is the fraction of stars that have planetary systems, and another factor ne that is the mean number of planets suitable for life. The latter is usually understood as the number of planets within the habitable zone. When the Solar system remained a unique object of its kind the sense of fp and ne seemed to be clear. There is now a limited statistic in hand about the features of other planetary systems, permitting a rough estimation of fp and ne (based on the list of 32 star companions, compiled by G. Marcy, 14.02.2000).