Radiative Equilibrium

Radiative equilibrium occurs when the energy a planet or object receives from the Sun (or another source) equals the energy it emits back into space. This balance keeps the object's temperature stable. If it absorbs more energy than it emits, it warms up; if it emits more than it absorbs, it cools down. In Earth's atmosphere, radiative equilibrium helps determine overall temperature, with greenhouse gases playing a role in retaining some of the outgoing heat. This concept is fundamental to understanding climate and how energy flows in Earth's system.