Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am trying to find out if there is a space green belt for in our solar system for spacecraft most likely around or past mars where in direct sunlight in space the temperature is approximately 78-80F or 25-26C where a forward space station could be positioned in relation to the sun and would require less power for temperature life support. I am trying to calculate a distance from the sun and it position in relationship to the planets. I understand that the dark side of the craft would still be incredibly cold, and I am not taking that into account. Because that would bring up a second location, no doubt closer, lets say you could disperse heat from the star side to the dark side so that the opposing temperatures created a 78-80F temperature in the craft. Would that be possible? well sure but that brings up materials, design and many other things. I am just trying to figure out the distance from the sun that an object on the side facing the sun would register 78-80F/25-26C Temperature. Thank you

Hi,

That's a great idea you have for trying to find the best temperature point for a space station, but as a biologist I can't help you in figuring that out. I have heard of a group called the L5 Society (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L5_Society) that has calculated the optimal position for a space habitat and you could read more about them to find out how they deal with the problem of temperature control.

I suggest you post your question to the Physical Sciences forum. There are experts on astronomy and physics on that forum who can help you with your questions.

Good luck!

Sybee