Modeling Galactic Evolution and the Potential for Intelligent Life in the Milky Way

Vargas T.; Musso P.; Antonietti N. · World-Systems Evolution and Global Futures (2026) · DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-20517-9_20

Resumen

This study presents a model of the Milky Way’s structural and evolutionary properties, focusing on star formation, gas surface density, supernovae rates, and metallicity distribution. The gas surface density follows an exponential decline with distance from the Galactic Center, while the star formation rate is determined using the Schmidt–Kennicutt law. The evolution of stellar populations is modeled through the initial mass function (IMF) and main sequence lifetimes, with implications for supernovae occurrences and heavy element enrichment. Using these factors, we estimate the time since conditions first became favorable for Earth-like planets around G-type stars, providing an age distribution for potential intelligent life across different Galactic radii. The model incorporates uncertainty propagation, highlighting the limitations imposed by measurement uncertainties in key astrophysical parameters. Future refinements will address Galactic asymmetries to better identify habitable regions. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos