What do the normal vectors have to do with Ren's explanation here? Is there also an element of reflection at play when we consider light intensity during different seasons?
theandrewchan
I think the normal vectors determine how much light is incident on that part of earth with Lambert's cosine law. Not sure if reflection (e.g. clouds) would affect light intensity? I think the effect is negligible on a large scale.
peterqiu1997
From what I understand, seasons are almost entirely determined by the tilt of Earth's axis and differing levels of light intensity rather than distance from Sun/reflection. Reflection, measured with albedo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albedo#cite_note-4), doesn't change much at the planetary scale - usually between 30% - 35%.
hilary217
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-vector
the diagram helps with understanding finding the normal vector of earth.
What do the normal vectors have to do with Ren's explanation here? Is there also an element of reflection at play when we consider light intensity during different seasons?
I think the normal vectors determine how much light is incident on that part of earth with Lambert's cosine law. Not sure if reflection (e.g. clouds) would affect light intensity? I think the effect is negligible on a large scale.
From what I understand, seasons are almost entirely determined by the tilt of Earth's axis and differing levels of light intensity rather than distance from Sun/reflection. Reflection, measured with albedo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albedo#cite_note-4), doesn't change much at the planetary scale - usually between 30% - 35%.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-vector the diagram helps with understanding finding the normal vector of earth.