The importance of atmospheres for the planetary temperature

AI Thread Summary
The discussion highlights the significant impact of a planet's atmosphere on its global temperature, emphasizing that atmospheric density and composition play crucial roles. The comparison between Venus and Mercury illustrates how Venus's dense atmosphere contributes to its higher temperatures despite being farther from the sun. Albedo, or the reflectivity of a planet's surface, is also mentioned as a factor that can influence temperature variations. Participants express interest in researching further, indicating that many factors affect atmospheric heat retention. Overall, understanding these elements is essential for grasping planetary temperature dynamics.
RobinSky
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Hi

I'm curious of how much of an effect our atmosphere has to do with the global temperature. I mean, just the LOCATION of where you are on the planet makes an immense difference.

On venus, with a much more dense atmosphere (and a lot closer to the sun) it's superhot instead, is it mainly due to the distance difference or due to the difference of the atmospheric properties?

And maybe albedo has something to do with it as well? Imagine if venus had a darker color, maybe it would be much hotter? If so, how much can the temperature vary depending on the albedo of the planet?

Well, I don't know. That's why I ask you for help!

Thanks in advance!

Regards, Robin Andersson
 
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Both albedo and the atmosphere can influence the average temperature of a planet a lot (-> greenhouse effect).
I am sure there are publications simulating planets with different atmospheric compositions and albedos.
 
Could you tell where I could go further and search for such publications? I'm really interested to find out more about this. However after I did my first post about this I noticed with my current (lower degree of) knowledge that there are lots, literally lots, of factors that play a role for the atmosphere and the ability to trap heat.

Regards
Robin
 
Oh thanks a lot, this looks useful! I'll read this and come back if there are any questions left. Thanks a lot!

Regards
Robin
 
Atmosphere is the reason why Venus' temperature is a bit higher than Mercury's even though Mercury is closer to the sun.
 
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