How Bright is the Moon?

By: Mike Luciuk

How bright is the Moon? That depends on a number of factors. The phase of the Moon is the primary one. Other obvious factors are the Earth-Moon and Sun-Moon distance as well as atmospheric transparency and extinction. Albedo and its variation is the final major factor affecting lunar brightness.

Visual albedo is defined by the “reflectivity of the surface of a planet, moon, asteroid, or other celestial body that does not shine by its own light. Albedo … Read the rest “How Bright is the Moon?”

Sperry Observatory is open every Friday night to the public free of charge from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Observing is held throughout the evening, weather permitting. A presentation on an astronomy related topic is given at 8:30 pm. See below for information about the title of the presentation.

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