The Drake

For years our place in the universe was the subject of theologians and philosophers, but in 1960 scientist Frank Drake changed all that by using a radio telescope to search for signs of extra-terrestrial intelligence. Although the project resulted in silence, it led to one of the most seminal equations in science - the Drake Equation - which examined seven key elements necessary for ET intelligence to exist. To find out about the equation's influence, Dallas Campbell meets the scientists who have dedicated their lives to focusing on its different aspects.

For many years our place in the universe was the subject of theologians and philosophers, not scientists, but in 1960 one man changed all that. Dr Frank Drake was one of the leading lights in the new science of radio astronomy when he did something that was not only revolutionary, but could have cost him his career. Working at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Greenback in Virginia, he pointed one of their new 25-metre radio telescopes at a star called Tau Ceti twelve light years from earth, hoping for signs of extraterrestrial intelligence.