Heating gasses in space -- How could we make a greenhouse in space?

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SUMMARY

This discussion explores the feasibility of creating a greenhouse in space or on another planet without an atmosphere. Participants consider the principles of heat retention through materials that allow short-wave radiation to enter while trapping long-wave radiation. The conversation highlights the potential use of gases like CO2 for heat generation and the implications of using a greenhouse structure for purposes beyond supporting life, such as keeping equipment warm or heating substances in a vacuum environment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of greenhouse gas effects, specifically CO2
  • Knowledge of thermal radiation principles, including short-wave and long-wave radiation
  • Familiarity with passive heating techniques in non-atmospheric environments
  • Basic concepts of structural design for extraterrestrial applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research materials that allow selective radiation transmission for thermal management
  • Investigate the calculations for heat retention in vacuum environments
  • Explore passive heating strategies for equipment in space habitats
  • Study the design principles of greenhouses adapted for extraterrestrial conditions
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, environmental scientists, and researchers interested in extraterrestrial habitat design and thermal management strategies.

jakehussey
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TL;DR
How could we make a greenhouse in space. Thought experiment!
I was thinking the other day about green houses and how they would act in space or on another planet without an atmosphere. I know that green houses work on Earth by stopping convection but could they theoretically trap heat in a non atmospheric environment? I am imagining a material that allows short wave radiation in and traps long wave from escaping. My assumption is that a gas would have to be used such as CO2 but how could I calculate actual heat generated and how much gas is required?
 
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Greenhouses also block some radiation - longer wavelength, and the emitted radiation is longer than the avsorbed. But what's the point of a greenhouse in a vacuum?
 
I suppose we are being biocentric. There could be valid reasons for wanting to passively warm a volume that have nothing to do with living critters.
 
DaveC426913 said:
I suppose we are being biocentric. There could be valid reasons for wanting to passively warm a volume that have nothing to do with living critters.
Yes Dave. My initial thought was a passively warm volume in a simple structure on another planetary body for keeping equipment warm or heating substances.
 
Why use a gas? Why not an actual greenhouse?
 
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Well, I guess the Earth is a sort of greenhouse in the vacuum of space... 🙃
 

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