posted on May, 17 2009 @ 02:23 PM
reply to post by BornPatriot
I'll take this one, Patriot.
Let's start with your comment about the atmosphere.
The gases that comprise our air have a scattering affect as light travels through. So does water.
However, the way we
perceive objects is from the
reflection of light from the object to our retinas.
Of course, exception being things that radiate light on their own accord, such as the sun or a flame.
The Moon 'glows' because it has a fairly high
albedo, the soil or 'regolith' is more reflective than the 'maria' or lava flows. Thus,
you see the patterns of the various Lunar features.
[edit on 5/17/0909 by weedwhacker]