June 2012
Frank Drake (1930-2022) was known as the "father of SETI science" -- he was the scientist who conducted the first radio survey for signals from extraterrestrial civilizations, and came up with the formula for estimating the likelihood of such civilizations, now called the Drake Equation.
In June 2012, the SETI Institute sponsored a three-day public event called SETICon. One highlight of the program was an interview with Drake (who served as the founding President of the Institute board. ) It was conducted by SETI Institute board member and veteran astronomy educator Andrew Fraknoi. The discussion ranged widely over Dr. Drake's career and current thinking. It included reminiscences of Project OZMA, that first experiment searching for signals from civilizations among the stars, and his current view of the Drake Equation. He also reflects on a number of modern developments, including the discovery of numerous planets orbiting other stars and new ways of searching for extra-terrestrial civilizations.
During the Summer, when the Silicon Valley Astronomy Lectures take a vacation, we thought you might enjoy this special podcast for its historical value, now that Frank Drake has passed away.