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Images related to Measuring Earth’s Albedo

Another Accountant for the Energy Budget
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Another Accountant for the Energy Budget

The CERES FM6 instrument measures the solar energy absorbed and reflected by Earth, the heat the planet emits into space, and the role of clouds in that process.

Published Jan 26, 2018

Image of the Day Atmosphere Land Water

The Top of the Atmosphere
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The Top of the Atmosphere

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

Image of the Day Atmosphere

The Arctic Is Absorbing More Sunlight
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The Arctic Is Absorbing More Sunlight

Satellites confirm that the Arctic has been absorbing more solar radiation over the past 15 years, a trend that coincides with a decline in sea ice and increase in open water.

Published Dec 19, 2014

Image of the Day Heat Snow and Ice

Earth’s Energy out of Balance
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Earth’s Energy out of Balance

These maps show observed and modeled energy imbalances in the top 750 meters of the world’s oceans from 1993-2003.

Published Apr 29, 2005

Image of the Day Water

Terra Turns Ten: Snow, Clouds, and Sunlight
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Terra Turns Ten: Snow, Clouds, and Sunlight

This trio of global maps illustrates how snow and clouds make Earth more reflective.

Published Dec 18, 2009

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Land Snow and Ice

By Reflecting Sunlight, Greenland Helps Keep the Arctic Cool
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By Reflecting Sunlight, Greenland Helps Keep the Arctic Cool

This series of globes from June–August 2009 shows how sea ice, snow, and ice sheets in the Northern Hemisphere reflect large amounts of incoming sunlight and help keep the Arctic cool in the summer.

Published Oct 29, 2009

Image of the Day Atmosphere Heat Land Snow and Ice