Answer :
Final answer:
The Moon's lit percentage by the Sun is about 59% overall and varies due to libration, reflecting sunlight.
Explanation:
The percentage of the Moon that is lit by the Sun can vary due to different factors such as libration.
On average, about 59% of the Moon's total surface can be seen over time, even though only half is visible at any given time.
Observations show that the lit portion of the Moon is always on the side facing the Sun, indicating that the Moon's light is reflected sunlight. This shows that indeed, the Moon is a sphere being illuminated by the Sun.
The Moon's surface has an average albedo, or reflective quality, of 0.174. This means that the Moon reflects a little over one-sixth of the sunlight that hits its surface back to Earth. The albedo varies across the Moon's surface, with some areas being as reflective as snow while others are much darker.
Answer:
At New Moon the part of the Moon illuminated by direct sunlight is zero percent; it is 50 percent at First and Last Quarters, and 100 percent at Full Moon. During Crescent phases the percent illuminated is between 0 and 50 percent and during Gibbous phases it is between 50 and 100 percent.
Explanation:
