Date/Time
Date(s) - 02/10/2024
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Location
Physics and Astronomy Department

ABB 102

Speaker: Dr. Hilding Neilson

Assistant Professor
Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador
Dr. Hilding Neilson profile
Astrodigenous website

Title: Indigenous Knowledges and Western Astronomy: Indigenizing the Drake Equation
Abstract:
The Drake Equation is a thought experiment whose purpose is to understand the ingredients necessary for life and advanced technological civilizations to exist on other worlds in our galaxy. However, beyond reflecting on life on Earth we have no knowledge of many of these ingredients, such as the number of planets that have life, the number of with intelligent life, the number with advanced civilizations, and the lifetimes of these civilizations. In this talk I will review the Drake Equation and the biases that scientists have traditionally had in discussing this equation and how it has led to the current searches of biological and technological signatures. I will discuss how the Drake Equation looks different if we consider it through the lens of Indigenous methods and sciences and how these methods would lead to a dramatically different view of life in our Galaxy.