the atmosphere because it contains gases
The Shuttle experienced temperature swings between the day/night terminator of between +140° C and -140° C. All Earth orbital satellites are also tested to those temperature extremes prior to launch.
The temperature on the Moon can vary dramatically between day and night. During the lunar day, temperatures can reach up to about 127°C (260°F), while at night, they can drop to around -173°C (-280°F). This results in a temperature difference of about 300°C (540°F) between the two extremes. The lack of atmosphere on the Moon contributes to these extreme temperature fluctuations.
The temperature on the Moon varies more between day and night than on Earth due to its lack of a significant atmosphere. On the Moon, there is no atmosphere to trap heat, leading to extreme temperature fluctuations; daytime temperatures can soar to about 127°C (260°F), while nighttime temperatures can plummet to -173°C (-280°F). In contrast, Earth's atmosphere helps moderate temperatures, providing insulation and reducing the extremes between day and night.
Thick clouds can have a moderating effect on temperature in surrounding areas by trapping heat during the night, which can prevent temperatures from dropping as low as they might under clear skies. During the day, however, these clouds can block sunlight, leading to cooler temperatures. Overall, the presence of thick clouds tends to create a more stable temperature range, reducing extremes between day and night.
The sun provides warmth during the day, while the temperature drops during the night when the sun is gone.
Without an atmosphere, there would be significant temperature extremes between day and night. During the day, the surface would become very hot due to direct sunlight, while at night, temperatures would drop rapidly without the atmosphere to trap heat. This difference is significant because the atmosphere helps regulate temperature by trapping heat and distributing it around the planet.
No moisture in the air to buffer temperature extremes
The Shuttle experienced temperature swings between the day/night terminator of between +140° C and -140° C. All Earth orbital satellites are also tested to those temperature extremes prior to launch.
The lack of humidity and lack of cloud cover cause the extremes of temperature. There is no insulation to slow the absorbing of heat during the day and nothing to hold the heat at night. Therefore, the desert can be quite hot during the day but cool off dramatically at night.
The temperature on the Moon can vary dramatically between day and night. During the lunar day, temperatures can reach up to about 127°C (260°F), while at night, they can drop to around -173°C (-280°F). This results in a temperature difference of about 300°C (540°F) between the two extremes. The lack of atmosphere on the Moon contributes to these extreme temperature fluctuations.
The temperature on the Moon varies more between day and night than on Earth due to its lack of a significant atmosphere. On the Moon, there is no atmosphere to trap heat, leading to extreme temperature fluctuations; daytime temperatures can soar to about 127°C (260°F), while nighttime temperatures can plummet to -173°C (-280°F). In contrast, Earth's atmosphere helps moderate temperatures, providing insulation and reducing the extremes between day and night.
The largest extremes in temperature are usually experienced in deserts, where the lack of vegetation and moisture allows for rapid heating during the day and quick cooling at night. Antarctica also experiences extreme temperature variations due to its ice-covered landscape and polar climate.
No. Mercury's surface temperature goes from about -163 °C at night to about 430 °C during the day. Life cannot survive those kinds of temperature fluctuations let alone the extremes.
Mercury with a surface temperature of 700K in the daytime and 100K in the night
Thick clouds can have a moderating effect on temperature in surrounding areas by trapping heat during the night, which can prevent temperatures from dropping as low as they might under clear skies. During the day, however, these clouds can block sunlight, leading to cooler temperatures. Overall, the presence of thick clouds tends to create a more stable temperature range, reducing extremes between day and night.
The atmosphere of Earth is a layer of gases surrounding the planet Earth that is retained by Earth's gravity. The atmosphere protects life on Earth by absorbing ultraviolet solar radiation, warming the surface through heat retention (greenhouse effect), and reducing temperature extremes between day and night (the diurnal temperature variation).
The sun provides warmth during the day, while the temperature drops during the night when the sun is gone.