Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: WooWaaBob on 05/01/2010 14:26:43
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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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The moon is grey, not white ...
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http://news.nationalgeographic.com (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/07/photogalleries/apollo-11-moon-base-before-after-pictures/index.html)
The reflectance (albedo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albedo)) of the moon is 0.12, close to that of asphalt. Snow and white paper reflect 0.8 - 0.9
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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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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?