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It's not because the moon is a spherical surface. If that were the issue, there would be a bright spot on the Moon where you can see the reflection of the Sun (
by ummonk 8y ago
It's not because the moon is a spherical surface. If that were the issue, there would be a bright spot on the Moon where you can see the reflection of the Sun (you can see such specular reflection spots on e.g. many cars), and you could use that spot to light a fire. The issue is that the Moon barely reflects any of the light that falls on it. Most of the light is scattered, and most of the rest is absorbed and re-radiated.
- sopooneo 8y agoThe scattering seems it should cancel out. As far as total energy reaching a point on earth (or the circular disk of a lens) just as much should get to you only due to scattering as failed to get to you due to scattering. I don't think this changes the ultimate answer to the question.