AU and the Circumstellar Habitable Zone

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Hanne
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    Habitable zone
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on simulating orbits within the Circumstellar Habitable Zone (CHZ), specifically between 0.725 AU and 3.0 AU. The user, an IB math student, seeks clarification on whether this range represents the diameter or radius of the orbit. It is established that the distance is indeed a radius, and issues with orbit stability may arise from the simulator's step size rather than the CHZ itself. The conversation emphasizes that stable orbits can exist outside the habitable zone, as demonstrated by planets like Mercury and Neptune.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of astronomical units (AU) and their application in orbital mechanics.
  • Familiarity with the concept of the Circumstellar Habitable Zone (CHZ).
  • Basic knowledge of orbital simulation tools and their parameters.
  • Mathematical principles related to orbital stability and dynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of orbital simulations, focusing on step size and its impact on stability.
  • Explore the mathematical models used to define the Circumstellar Habitable Zone (CHZ).
  • Learn about the differences between bound and unbound orbits in celestial mechanics.
  • Investigate various orbit simulation software options and their specific settings for accurate modeling.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, educators in astrophysics, and anyone interested in simulating planetary orbits within the Circumstellar Habitable Zone.

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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