Sky science
Bond Albedo
Direct answer
Bond Albedo is the fraction of total incident electromagnetic power a body scatters back to space over all directions and wavelengths.
It measures total reflected energy.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related
- Van Allen Radiation Belts, Planetary Albedo, Geometric Albedo, Phase Angle
It measures total reflected energy.
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The story behind Bond Albedo
George Bond’s photometric work gave the energy-integrated albedo its name.
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Why Bond Albedo matters
Bond Albedo is the albedo most directly connected to planetary energy balance.
Bond Albedo in practice: an example
A higher Bond albedo means less incident stellar energy is absorbed, all else equal.
Where readings of Bond Albedo go wrong
Bond albedo is not the brightness seen from one viewing angle.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NASA Science: Solar System Exploration - NASA overview of planets, moons, small bodies, rings, and the structure of the Solar System.
- NASA Science: Universe Glossary - NASA definitions for common stellar, galactic, orbital, and high-energy astronomy terms.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Connect reflectivity with energy balance
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Common questions
What is Bond Albedo?
Bond Albedo is the fraction of total incident electromagnetic power a body scatters back to space over all directions and wavelengths.
What do people get wrong about Bond Albedo?
Bond albedo is not the brightness seen from one viewing angle.
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