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Earth is reflecting less light. It’s not clear if that’s a trend

Our planet dimmed by 0.5 percent in 20 years, but the trend may not last

image of earthshine

Earthshine — the light reflected from our planet to the dark portion of the moon and then back to Earth (shown here) — decreased measurably in recent years, a sign our planet is capturing more solar energy than it has in years past.

NASA

By Sid Perkins

- More than 2 years ago

The amount of sunlight that Earth reflects back into space — measured by the dim glow seen on the dark portions of a crescent moon’s face — has decreased measurably in recent years.