Radiative equilibrium in near-Earth space

In summary, the pig will reach a temperature of 278 degrees Celsius (or 1027 degrees Fahrenheit), which is about the temperature of the sun and the coldest temperature that a black body would reach.
  • #1
nugae
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Project a pig P from a spacecraft in near-Earth orbit. Assume that P is rotating rapidly (or, equivalently, that it is perfectly conductive).

What temperature will P reach when it is in radiative equilibrium with the Sun on the one hand and the CRB on the other?

The Stefan-Boltzmann law gives 278°K (at least according to Wikipedia) if the pig is a black body without an atmosphere, which seems reasonable though I haven't actually checked the calculations in detail.

This question may be turning into "how un-black is a pig?". Presumably one would need to look at the albedo of pigs (either black ones or white ones) at different wavelengths. Any references would be welcome: people might have more figures on them than pigs, and, both being mammals, will probably have similar radiative properties.

If a body absorbs 30% of the radiation that a black body would, will it also emit 30% of the radiation that a black body would, or is there no necessary connection between these figures?
 
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  • #2
nugae said:
This question may be turning into "how un-black is a pig?". Presumably one would need to look at the albedo of pigs (either black ones or white ones) at different wavelengths. Any references would be welcome: people might have more figures on them than pigs, and, both being mammals, will probably have similar radiative properties.
The emissivity of most organic materials (skin, paper, etc.) is close to 1 in the infra-red. For human skin it's 0.95-0.98, regardless of skin color, dropping to about 0.9 in the near-IR.

nugae said:
If a body absorbs 30% of the radiation that a black body would, will it also emit 30% of the radiation that a black body would, or is there no necessary connection between these figures?
Emissivity is reciprocal for absorbtion and radiation.
 
  • #3
nugae said:
If a body absorbs 30% of the radiation that a black body would, will it also emit 30% of the radiation that a black body would[..]?
If it didn't, would energy be conserved?
 

1. What is radiative equilibrium in near-Earth space?

Radiative equilibrium in near-Earth space refers to the balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing thermal radiation in the Earth's atmosphere. This balance is important for maintaining a stable climate and temperature on our planet.

2. How does the Earth's atmosphere maintain radiative equilibrium?

The Earth's atmosphere maintains radiative equilibrium through a process known as the greenhouse effect. Certain gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, trap outgoing thermal radiation and help to keep the Earth's surface warm.

3. What factors can disrupt radiative equilibrium in near-Earth space?

Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, can increase the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and disrupt the balance of incoming and outgoing radiation. This can lead to an increase in global temperatures and changes in climate patterns.

4. How does radiative equilibrium affect weather patterns?

Radiative equilibrium plays a crucial role in determining weather patterns on Earth. It helps to regulate the amount of energy in the atmosphere, which in turn affects the formation of clouds, winds, and other weather phenomena.

5. What are the implications of a disruption in radiative equilibrium for the Earth's climate?

A disruption in radiative equilibrium can have significant implications for the Earth's climate, including rising sea levels, more frequent and severe natural disasters, and changes in agricultural patterns. It is important for us to understand and maintain this balance in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.

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