Which zone is referred to as the 'habitable zone' where liquid water can exist?

The term 'habitable zone' is specifically referred to as the Goldilocks zone. This is the region around a star where conditions are just right for liquid water to exist on a planet’s surface, which is essential for life as we know it. The name "Goldilocks" is derived from the fairy tale character who sought something that was "just right," highlighting the importance of finding a balance in temperature—not too hot and not too cold—to allow for the stable presence of liquid water.

This zone depends on several factors, including the distance from the star, the star’s size and brightness, and the characteristics of a planet's atmosphere. In contrast, terms like Safe zone, Habitability zone, and Liquid zone are not widely used in the scientific community to refer to this specific concept, making the Goldilocks zone the correct and recognized choice.