Alien54's Journal: Is the Drake Equation obsolete?

The Drake equation has inspired debate and more than one scientific project over the years. The integers that are plugged into this equation are often subject to wide interpretation and can differ significantly from scientist to scientist. Even the slightest change can result in vastly different answers. Part of the problem is that our understanding of cosmology and astrobiology is rapidly changing and there is often very little consensus among specialists as to what the variables might be. And so the question is posed: Is the Drake Equation obsolete?