Albedo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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albedo
[alหbiห.dษส ]
Definition
astronomy
The proportion of the incident light or radiation that is reflected by a surface, typically that of a planet or moon.
Synonyms
brightness, luminosity, reflectivity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| albedo |
Mainly used in scientific contexts, particularly in astronomy and climatology, to describe the reflectivity of a surface or body, usually of planets, moons, and other celestial objects.
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| reflectivity |
Often used in scientific and engineering contexts to describe the property of a surface or material in reflecting light or other electromagnetic radiation. Reflectivity is usually quantified in percentage.
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| brightness |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe how much light something emits or reflects. It can be applied to a wide range of contexts from the brightness of a screen to the brightness of a star.
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| luminosity |
Specifically refers to the intrinsic brightness of a celestial object, such as a star, measured in terms of the total amount of energy emitted per unit time. This term is more technical and used in the field of astronomy.
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Examples of usage
- The albedo of the Moon is about 0.12, which means it reflects only 12% of the sunlight that hits it.
- Scientists study the albedo of Mars to understand its climate and surface properties.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Earth's average albedo is about 30%, meaning it reflects 30% of sunlight that hits it.
- Lighter surfaces, like ice and snow, have higher albedo, while darker surfaces, like forests and oceans, reflect less light.
- Albedo affects climate; surfaces with low albedo absorb more heat, contributing to warming.
Astronomy
- Albedo is crucial in studying planets and moons; for example, the albedo of the Moon allows scientists to understand its surface and composition.
- Venus has a high albedo due to its thick clouds, reflecting about 70% of sunlight, making it the brightest object in the night sky after the Moon.
Environmental Studies
- Changes in Earth's albedo due to deforestation or melting ice can significantly impact global temperatures.
- Urban areas often have a lower albedo compared to natural landscapes, contributing to the urban heat island effect.
Art and Aesthetics
- In painting, artists consider albedo to create realistic depictions of light and shade on surfaces.
- The concept of light reflection has influenced many famous artworks, showcasing the interplay of color and brightness.
Origin of 'albedo'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'albedo' comes from the Latin word 'albedo', meaning 'whiteness'.
- It was first used in a scientific context around the 17th century, particularly in astronomy and optics.
The term 'albedo' originated from the Latin word 'albus' meaning white. It was first introduced by the astronomer Johann Heinrich Lambert in the 18th century. Albedo plays a crucial role in climate science and planetary studies, helping scientists understand the heat absorption and reflection properties of celestial bodies.