Lunar Temperature

The surface temperature of the Moon varies greatly due to a number of factors.

The Moon is heated entirely by the Sun. Unlike geologically active bodies, the Moon is not known to have any internal heat source, and its surface is heated entirely by the Sun.

During the lunar day the temperature is very high. At night the temperature also drops to become very cold.

The temperature also varies according to the latitude, at higher latitudes the sunlight intensity is lower due to the angle presented by the lunar surface to the solar line of sight.

Temperature also varies according to shadow, area in permanent shadow (e.g. craters at the pole) are thought to be permanently cold, and possibly cold traps holding volatile materials.

There is also some question as to whether the intensity of the Sun itself is varying, and whether that can be monitored by measuring the surface temperature of the Moon.

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