Free Planet Surface Temperature Calculator

Estimate the effective surface temperature of a planet using Stefan-Boltzmann balance: T = ((L * (1 - A)) / (16 * pi * sigma * d^2))^0.25.

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W
m

Effective Temperature

254.59 K

Temperature (C)-18.56 C

Effective Temperature vs Star Luminosity

View formula & how it works →

Estimating a Planet's Surface Temperature

By balancing the incoming stellar radiation with the outgoing thermal emission, we get the equilibrium temperature.

Formula

T = [ L (1 - A) / (16 pi sigma d squared) ]^(1/4)

  • *L* = stellar luminosity
  • *A* = bond albedo (fraction reflected)
  • *sigma* = Stefan-Boltzmann constant 5.67 x 10 to the minus 8
  • *d* = orbital distance

    • This neglects the greenhouse effect, which can raise the actual surface temperature significantly.

    Example Calculation

    Earth-like planet: L = 3.828e26 W, A = 0.3, d = 1.496e11 m.

    1. 01T = [L(1-A) / (16 pi sigma d squared)]^0.25
    2. 02Numerator = 3.828e26 * 0.7 = 2.680e26
    3. 03Denominator = 16 * pi * 5.67e-8 * (1.496e11)^2 = 6.39e16
    4. 04Ratio = 4.194e9
    5. 05T = (4.194e9)^0.25 = 254.5 K = -18.6 C

    Frequently Asked Questions

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