A World of Sunlight and Heat

Earth's energy balance represents the sum total of all the interactions of
radiant energy (both sunlight and heat) with our planet's climate system. For the first time
ever by a space-based sensor, CERES can measure the radiant energy reflected and emitted
back into space accurately enough to tell scientists which aspects of the Earth's climate system -
such as clouds, aerosol particles, surface reflectivity - are changing, and exactly how much
these changes affect our planet's total energy budget.

The top image shows the average amount of sunlight (in Watts per square meter)
that was reflected from the Earth back into space during a day in July 2000.
White pixels show where more sunlight (or reflected shortwave radiation) is escaping
the top of the atmosphere. Green pixels show intermediate values and blues
show the lowest values. Clouds and snow-covered surfaces are highly reflective,
while the ocean strongly absorbs sunlight. Note that Antarctica appears dark because
it is night time there in the month of July.

The bottom image shows the average amount of heat (in Watts per square meter)
that was emitted from the Earth back into space during a day in July 2000.
Yellow pixels show where more heat (or outgoing longwave radiation) is escaping
the top of the atmosphere. Purples and blues show intermediate values and white pixels
show the lowest values. Desert regions and other areas experiencing heatwaves
(i.e., Southwestern U.S.) emit a lot of heat, while the cold cloud tops of the thunderheads
along the equator and the snow and ice-covered continent of Antarctica emit very little heat.