At the same time that the atmosphere absorbs long-wave radiation on the ground, it radiates energy outward in a radiant manner. The atmosphere's way of radiating energy outward is called atmospheric radiation. Because the temperature of the atmosphere itself is low and the wavelength of the radiated radiant energy is longer, it is also called atmospheric long-wave radiation. The direction of atmospheric radiation is both upward and downward. The downward part of atmospheric radiation is just opposite to the direction of solar radiation, so it is called atmospheric reverse radiation. Atmospheric reverse radiation is an important source of heat on the ground.
Due to the existence of atmospheric reverse radiation, the actual heat loss on the ground is less than that released by solar radiation on the ground. This insulation effect of the atmosphere is called the atmospheric greenhouse effect. This atmospheric heat preservation effect raises the near-surface temperature by approximately 18°C. Because the moon does not have an atmosphere like the earth, the temperature on its surface changes drastically day and night. The surface temperature during the day can reach 127°C, and it can drop to -183°C at night.
