Estimating Extraterrestrial Intelligence

This chapter explores the technological possibilities of intelligent species and their capacity to create detectable technologies, particularly focusing on the challenges that species like dolphins face. It revisits the Drake Equation, examining the factors that affect the likelihood of civilizations broadcasting detectable signals and proposes revised estimates for the number of observable extraterrestrial civilizations. Additionally, the chapter discusses the implications of current research on biosignatures and technosignatures, emphasizing the need for more data to refine our understanding of intelligent life in the universe.