Fermia
The Fermi Paradox Physics
Size guide S–5XL · inches
Fermia sits on a rocky outcrop with a radio dish, ear cupped to a starfield. It stays silent.
The Physics
If the galaxy is old and full of planets, and travel or signalling between stars is possible, why do we see no sign of anyone else? The Drake equation breaks the question into a chain of factors, from the rate of star formation to how long a civilisation stays detectable. Most of those factors are unknown, so the equation organises our ignorance rather than giving an answer.
N = R* · f_p · n_e · f_l · f_i · f_c · L
- N: number of detectable civilisations in the galaxy
- R*: star formation rate (stars per year)
- f_p: fraction with planets
- n_e: habitable planets per system
- f_l, f_i, f_c: fractions with life, intelligence, detectable signals
- L: how long they last (years)
Enrico Fermi asked "Where is everybody?" at Los Alamos around 1950 (as recalled; wording varies); Frank Drake introduced his equation at Green Bank in 1961.
Honest caveat: This is an open question. No value of N is known.
On the shirt
Front: Fermia, the pixel-art character, with the title. Back: Fermi's question, the Drake equation with every factor named, the open-question note and the Los Alamos account. Printed on a unisex tee.
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Details
Size & fitS–5XL
Unisex heavy cotton (Gildan 5000), classic fit.
| Size | Width | Length | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 18 | 28 | 15.1 |
| M | 20 | 29 | 16.5 |
| L | 22 | 30 | 18 |
| XL | 24 | 31 | 19.5 |
| 2XL | 26 | 32 | 21 |
| 3XL | 28 | 33 | 22.4 |
| 4XL | 30 | 34 | 23.7 |
| 5XL | 32 | 35 | 25 |
Para ter uma escala: o tamanho M tem 20 in (50.80 cm) de largura, cerca de 3.143 × 1034 comprimentos de Planck (lP = 1.616255 × 10−35 m). Uma fita métrica é mais rápida.
Measurements in inches, ±1.5 in tolerance.
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Shipping calculated at checkout by destination. Printed to order for you.
Returns & replacements21 days
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Print defect, misprint, damage or the wrong item? We’ll send a free replacement, or a refund if you prefer. Report it within 21 days of delivery with a photo; no need to send it back.