Planets on the table: a laboratory experiment on radiation and planetary effective-temperature concepts

A new undergraduate laboratory experiment demonstrates radiation laws and their applications to climatology and environmental science. The experiment emphasizes the planetary energy budget and effective-temperature concepts. A close look at 'planets on the table' brings some unanticipated results that challenge students to think critically, to interpret the results of measurements, and to come to valid scientific conclusions. [DOI: 10.1119/1.2894524]