diff --git a/src/physics/utils/orbital_data.meta b/src/physics/utils/orbital_data.meta
index 611f7535..bd134e5a 100644
--- a/src/physics/utils/orbital_data.meta
+++ b/src/physics/utils/orbital_data.meta
@@ -9,13 +9,16 @@
   units = rad
   type = real | kind = kind_phys
   dimensions = ()
+  protected = True
 [earth_sun_distance]
   standard_name = earth_sun_distance
   units = AU
   type = real | kind = kind_phys
   dimensions = ()
+  protected = True
 [solar_zenith_angle]
   standard_name = solar_zenith_angle
   units = rad
   type = real | kind = kind_phys
-  dimensions = (horizontal_dimension)
\ No newline at end of file
+  dimensions = (horizontal_dimension)
+  protected = True