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ZENODO
Dataset . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Dataset . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Dataset . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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A Bayesian Framework for Estimating Cosmic Life Probability Using Real Exoplanet Data from the JWST Era

Authors: Shibah, Sami Rashid Mohammed;

A Bayesian Framework for Estimating Cosmic Life Probability Using Real Exoplanet Data from the JWST Era

Abstract

We present a Bayesian probabilistic model---termed the Enhanced Cosmic Life Probability Estimator (ECLPE)---to quantify the likelihood of life in the observable universe. The framework extends the classical Drake equation by representing each astrobiological factor as a random variable with empirically informed prior distributions. Crucially, we integrate real exoplanet data from the NASA Exoplanet Archive (as of January 2026) via the astroquery interface and update the atmospheric retention probability f_atm using James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations. Monte Carlo simulations (200,000 iterations) yield posterior distributions for both microbial and intelligent life. A variance-based global sensitivity analysis using Sobol indices identifies the dominant sources of uncertainty. The independence assumption among factors is a statistical simplification, with potential correlations addressed in sensitivity tests. Our results indicate that while simple life is statistically probable across cosmic scales, detectable technological civilizations remain exceedingly rare. The model is fully reproducible and open-source, designed for iterative refinement as new data emerge.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average