361

It's the number of intelligent societies that have (note: HAVE) arisen in the Milky Way Galaxy since its beginning. This is the low end estimate, the absolute lowest it can be statistically. This according to a new computer model designed and run by some very skeptical but well respected astronomers.

The number was a surpise to may of them, who loaded the computer simulation to favor a high number of mass extinctions and a very strict definition of the conditions necessary for life to even begin.

And the number is likely to go up as we learn more about how and when life can develop.

Not just 316 species or 361 possible planets. 361 intelligent societies.