A brief history of the term 'habitable zone' in the 19th century

The appellation 'habitable zone' in astrobiology in sooth evinces an overlooked and winding history that can be traced back to the 19th century. This paper sketches how this term from geography was generalized to encompass planetary habitability. The people involved in this narrative are numerous, but the bulk of their musings were rather nebulous. Yet, during this period appear the first true insights, although sadly this saga is not altogether sans blights.

Automated summary

The concept of habitable zone has a long history dating back to the 19th century, originating from geography and later generalized to include planetary habitability. The people involved in its development were numerous, but most of their musings remained nebulous, yet some true insights emerged during this period.