Question

For the sake of simplicity, lets say that the solar flux at the moons distance from the sun is the same as the solar flux at Earths distance from the sun.

a) The moon has essentially no atmosphere, and moonlight is solar flux reflected by the moon. What is the average intensity of moonlight immediately above the illuminated hemisphere of the moon?

Answer 1

The average intensity of moonlight above the illuminated hemisphere of the moon is less than 1.30 kW/m² due to the Moon's lower albedo compared to Earth. A precise value cannot be given without the exact albedo. Safe viewing of the Moon is assured, as moonlight is never strong enough to harm the eyes.

Step-by-step explanation:

When we talk about the average intensity of moonlight immediately above the illuminated hemisphere of the moon, we're dealing with a physics concept related to reflection of light and the intensity of sunlight.

Assuming that the solar flux at Earth's distance (and hence the moon's) is 1.30 kW/m², which is incident on the Moon, the average intensity of moonlight could be calculated by considering the moon's albedo, which is the measure of reflectivity of the lunar surface.

However, since the exact albedo is not given, a precise answer cannot be provided. Nevertheless, it is known that the Moon reflects less light than Earth, so the intensity of moonlight would be significantly less than 1.30 kW/m².

Also, it's important to add that while the Moon is less reflective overall, the actual brightness or intensity experienced would depend on various factors such as the observer's location, atmospheric conditions, and the Moon's phase. Notably, there is no harm in viewing the Moon with binoculars or telescopes as it's not bright enough to damage human eyes.