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  4. Why is the Moon white?
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Why is the Moon white?

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Offline WooWaaBob (OP)

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Why is the Moon white?
« on: 05/01/2010 14:26:43 »
The Moon is thought to have been created from Earth's crust ejected in to orbit after an enormous collision early in our planet's life.

As I understand it the surface of the Moon contains a large proportion of Titanium Oxide that has a lustrous white appearance.

But if this is the case then wouldn't the exposed Earth's crust also be white?  Are liquid water or other soil components unique to the Earth having an effect here?

Why is the Moon white?

Many thanks, Bob
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Offline RD

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Why is the Moon white?
« Reply #1 on: 05/01/2010 15:23:03 »
The moon is grey, not white ...

 [ Invalid Attachment ]

http://news.nationalgeographic.com


The reflectance (albedo) of the moon is 0.12, close to that of asphalt. Snow and white paper reflect 0.8 - 0.9

* moonis2h.jpg (50.76 kB, 750x318 - viewed 1401 times.)
« Last Edit: 05/01/2010 15:25:59 by RD »
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Offline lightarrow

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Why is the Moon white?
« Reply #2 on: 05/01/2010 18:16:30 »
Quote from: WooWaaBob on 05/01/2010 14:26:43
Why is the Moon white?
If the Moon's surface were made of pure, white TiO2, we could drive without lamps on the roads, in the nights with Moon  [;)].

Moon is grey but you see it as white because the sky is dark (in the night).
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Offline Geezer

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Why is the Moon white?
« Reply #3 on: 05/01/2010 19:32:02 »
Quote from: lightarrow on 05/01/2010 18:16:30
If the Moon's surface were made of pure, white TiO2, we could drive without lamps on the roads, in the nights with Moon  [;)].


Fascinating!

Any thoughts on how much reflected solar energy the Earth receives via the Moon, if any?
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