First time on a forum like this? Here are some terms that you may or may not encounter, in case you don't wanna use Google. Astrobiology - The study of the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. Drake Equation - The Drake equation is an idea, proposed by American astronomer Frank Drake in 1961, that the number of potential civilizations in the universe can be calculated if we know a few key variables. The formula for the Drake equation is:
N = R* x 𝑓p x ne x 𝑓1 x 𝑓i x 𝑓c x L N is the number of civilizations in the Milky Way whose electromagnetic emissions are detectable; R* is the average rate of star formation in our galaxy; fp is the fraction of those stars with planetary systems; ne is the number of planets, per solar system, with an environment suitable for life; fl is the fraction of these planets that actually develop life; fi is the fraction of life-bearing planets that develop intelligent life; fc is the fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space; and L is the length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space. Extraterrestrial (or ET) - Outside, or originating outside, the limits of the earth. A more official name for what common people might call an "alien." Fermi Paradox - The dichotomy between the high probability that extraterrestrial intelligence exists and the fact that we have no evidence for such aliens. Greys - Grey aliens, sometimes known as Zeta Reticulans, Grays, or simply Greys, are the most commonly reported species involved in UFOlogical cases. They've been described as short, thin humanoids with grey skin; a large head; long fingers; large, black eyes; small slits for a nose; and a small mouth. In some cases, they have been reported as capable of telepathy. SETI - Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence UAP - Unidentified Aerial (or Anomalous) Phenomena. Observations of events in the sky that cannot be identified as aircraft or known natural phenomena, from a scientific perspective.
UFO - Unidentified Flying Object. Any unexplained moving object observed in the sky, especially one assumed by some observers to be of extraterrestrial origin. Zoo Hypothesis - Extraterrestrials are keeping their distance to allow humans to evolve without interference. This relates to the "Prime Directive" concept in Star Trek - a principle that Starfleet officers must refrain from contacting a species too early in their development or interfering with that development in any way - even at the expense of their lives.