AU and the Circumstellar Habitable Zone

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The discussion focuses on simulating orbits within the Circumstellar Habitable Zone, which ranges from 0.725 AU to 3.0 AU. The original poster seeks clarification on whether this measurement refers to diameter or radius and struggles to maintain a stable orbit at 2.0 AU in their simulator. Responses suggest that the issue may stem from the simulator's settings, particularly the step size, which can lead to unbound orbits. It is emphasized that a planet can maintain a stable orbit regardless of its position in the habitable zone, as demonstrated by planets like Mercury and Neptune. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding orbital mechanics and simulator parameters for accurate modeling.
Hanne
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Hi,
I'm an IB math student trying to begin my mathematics project and I just have a really basic question:

I'm trying to simulate some orbits within the Circumstellar Habitable Zone (the zone in which a planet can sustain liquid water) and I know that this zone exists from .725 AU to 3.0 AU. What I can't find, is if this is the "diameter" or "radius" of the orbit. I'm wondering, because if I extend the distance between my earth-like planet and the its to 2.0 AU, I cannot get it to maintain orbit on my orbit simulator. What am I doing wrong?
 
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It's always radius.

How are you simulating the orbits? Very often, these simulators give unbound orbits because your step size is too large.

In any case, it doesn't matter if the planet is in the goldilocks zone or not, it still should maintain a stable orbit - think about it, neither Mercury nor Neptune are in the habitable zone, and they still have stable orbits.
 
What's wrong with the orbit? What kind of unstable are we talking about?
 

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