Stellar Habitable Zone
T_eq from L_star, albedo, and orbital radius; HZ band traced for T in [200, 273] K. Drag the planet, change Teff or albedo, and watch the surface state.
WHAT TO TRY
- Drag the planet in and out: the equilibrium temperature follows T_eq ~ (L/d^2)^(1/4), and the surface state flips between frozen, habitable and runaway as it crosses the band edges.
- Raise the albedo: more reflected light cools the planet, shifting the habitable zone inward. A brighter planet can sit closer and stay temperate.
- Change the stellar Teff: a hotter, more luminous star pushes the whole habitable band outward, since the same T_eq needs a larger orbit.