The surface of the moon is exposed to full solar radiation because it has no atmosphere. Why then does the moon not heat up endlessly until it disintegrates?
A) Convection in the soil carries energy away.
B) Its temperature rises until it is able to radiate heat away into space as fast as it arrives from the sun.
C) It has disintegrated but the light just hasn't reached us yet.
D) Because it is isolated from the sun by empty space, the sun's heat can't reach it (only light can) and they don't experience any changes in temperature.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The moon heats up until it reaches a temperature where it can radiate heat back into space as quickly as it absorbs it from the sun. This balance prevents it from endlessly heating up.

The Surface of the Moon Is Exposed to Full Solar