Single-Layer Energy Balance
This interactive simulator explores Single-Layer Climate (Toy) in Astronomy & The Sky. S, α, ε: T_eff vs T_surface from gray-slab balance — intuition only. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.
Who it's for: Suited to beginners and first exposure to the topic. Typical context: Astronomy & The Sky.
Key terms
- single
- layer
- climate
- toy
- single layer climate
- astronomy
Bar heights are **schematic** (linear in °C for display only). Compare how **ε** lifts the surface bar while **α** lowers both.
How it works
**Energy balance** cartoon: incoming **(1−α)S/4** matches outgoing longwave in a **highly simplified** single-layer atmosphere. Turn **ε** and **α** to see why **effective** temperature (what Earth radiates to space) can stay near **255 K** while the **surface** is warmer — the usual first lecture, not a climate model.
Key equations
More from Astronomy & The Sky
Other simulators in this category — or see all 22.
Moon Phases
Sun–Earth–Moon geometry and synodic cycle; lit fraction from phase angle.
Solar Eclipse Geometry
Sun–Moon–Earth: angular sizes, umbra and penumbra cones, orbit tilt.
Lunar Eclipse Geometry
Sun–Earth–Moon: Earth’s shadow on the Moon; total, partial, and penumbral (schematic colors).
Moon: Tidal Locking
Synchronous rotation: same lunar face toward Earth as it orbits.
Mars Retrograde Loop
Earth overtakes Mars: apparent backward loop among the stars (schematic).
Sidereal vs Solar Day
Why noon returns after slightly more than 360° of rotation (~4 min shorter sidereal day).