The importance of atmospheres for the planetary temperature

  • Context: Undergrad 
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    Planetary Temperature
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the impact of planetary atmospheres on global temperatures, specifically comparing Earth and Venus, and considering factors such as atmospheric density, distance from the sun, and albedo. Participants explore how these elements interact to influence temperature variations on different planets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that both atmospheric properties and distance from the sun significantly affect a planet's temperature.
  • There is a proposal that albedo may also play a crucial role in temperature regulation, with speculation on how a darker color could influence Venus' temperature.
  • One participant expresses interest in finding publications that simulate different atmospheric compositions and albedos to understand their effects on temperature.
  • Another participant asserts that the atmosphere is responsible for Venus having a higher temperature than Mercury, despite Mercury's closer proximity to the sun.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that both atmosphere and albedo influence planetary temperatures, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific contributions of each factor and how they interact.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of factors affecting atmospheric heat retention, indicating that their understanding is still developing and that many variables are at play.

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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