Reflected-light planetary phase curve
= Reflected-light planetary phase curve
{title2=$F_p/F_*=A_g(R_p/a)^2\Phi(\alpha)$}
The orbital variation of a planet's reflected stellar light as the visible illuminated area changes. In a simple spherical model, $F_p/F_*=A_g(R_p/a)^2\Phi(\alpha)$, where $\Phi(0)=1$ and $\alpha$ is the star-planet-observer angle. <Exoplanet clouds> can alter the <geometric albedo> and the angular scattering law; this observable differs from an <exoplanet thermal phase curve>.