The Moon experiences extreme temperature variations (from -190°C to 110°C) due to its lack of a significant atmosphere, which is crucial for regulating and distributing heat on Earth. The Moon has a thin exosphere that’s unable to trap or distribute solar radiation, leading to drastic temperature differences between sunlit and shaded areas.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
No Atmosphere:
Unlike Earth, the Moon lacks a substantial atmosphere. An atmosphere helps to trap heat during the day and prevent it from escaping at night, creating a more stable temperature.
Direct Sunlight and Heat:
When sunlight reaches the Moon’s surface, it heats up the land and rocks directly.
Heat Loss at Night:
Because there’s no atmosphere to trap the heat, the Moon quickly cools down at night, leading to very cold temperatures.
No Temperature Control:
The Moon’s thin exosphere is insufficient to regulate or distribute heat effectively, resulting in the drastic temperature fluctuations.