Earthshine

[Dawson]

What factors determine the presence or not, or the intensity of Earthshine? It seems to me to be more evident in recent months both to the naked eye and in many lf the lovely inages people take of the Moon.

James

[Graham Winstanley]

I thought it was dependent on the clouds reflecting sunlight. We have had lots of those recently! Graham

[Peter Mulligan]

Hi James

Like Graham says its  mainly clouds, so I suppose the more cloud cover, the more light is reflected off the Earth. So probably the more intense the reflection from the Moons darkside.

Peter

[Dawson]

Interesting. Thanks.

[Steve Harvey]

Hi James,
Earthshine depends upon the Earths albedo (reflectivity).

At the time around the New Moon, (from the perspective of the surface of the moon that faces the Earth) the Earth will be lit at a maximum – thus will reflect back to the moons surface at a maximum.
Spring for the Northern hemisphere has on average the highest albedo of the year.
Snow and Ice has the most affect upon albedo (far more so than water).
The affect is also seen at a maximum at moonrise and set.

[Dawson]

Thanks Steve

[Paul Anthony Brierley]

Is “Earth shine” also a good indication of how clear the atmosphere is?

I have seen ES. Many times, especially when the air is cold, and the ground frosty.

[Author]

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