Curious logo
 
image depicting Earth is growing dimmer due to climate change

Earth is growing dimmer due to climate change

 

Recommended for Middle Grades

A new study says Earth is growing dimmer (less bright) due to climate change.

Over 20 years, scientists have been studying a phenomenon called “earthshine“. This is the light that Earth reflects onto the surface of the dark side of the Moon.

Different parts of Earth reflect different amounts of light. For example, the oceans reflect very little light while the land reflects a lot more. Meanwhile, clouds reflect about half the sunlight that hits them, and snow and ice reflect most of the light they receive.

Climate change

In the new study, scientists combined that data from various NASA projects and satellites. It shows that Earth’s brightness has been changing. Over the last 20 years, the amount of light Earth reflected dropped about 0.5% per square meter. During the same time, scientists observed that the Sun’s activity is not the reason for it. In particular, they noted a loss of bright low-altitude clouds over the eastern Pacific Ocean.

They have found that Earth’s warming oceans (due to climate change) are causing fewer bright clouds to reflect sunlight back into space. This means more heat gets trapped leading to even warmer oceans.

 

 

Image depicting Curious Times Logo

Are you interested in the latest news updates? Or are you curious enough to enjoy reading non-fictional information and trivia? We at Curious Times are committed to providing the best experience and news to children. Our educational website for news and information is age-appropriate and also a lot of fun. Do also check out the Curious Times Weekly newspaper every week and The Curious Magazine every month. We are delighted to publish the creative art, photographs, write up and more that children send us in My Expressions. We would love to get feedback and hear from you. Do write to us at hello@curioustimes.in. Your favourite newspaper for kids!  You can also reach out to us on WhatsApp, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook.

  (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)

Share your comment!

To post your comment Login/Signup