The global picture of how Earth reflects sunlight is a muddle, though several regional trends emerge.
Published Oct 21, 2014
Atmospheric gases scatter blue wavelengths of visible light more than other wavelengths, giving the Earth’s visible edge a blue halo. At higher and higher altitudes, the atmosphere becomes so thin that it essentially ceases to exist. Gradually, the atmospheric halo fades into the blackness of space. This astronaut photograph captured on July 20, 2006, shows a nearly translucent moon emerging from behind the halo.
Published Feb 2, 2007
July’s extreme heat in the United States radiated energy out into space as shown in this image from July 22, 2011.
Published Aug 31, 2011
This trio of global maps illustrates how snow and clouds make Earth more reflective.
Published Dec 18, 2009
