Albedo distribution of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface. These factors vary with atmospheric composition, geographic location and time (see position of the Sun). While bi-hemispherical reflectance is calculated for a single angle of incidence (i.e., for a given position of the Sun), albedo is the directional integration of reflectance over all solar angles in a given period. The temporal resolution may range from seconds (as obtained from flux measurements) to daily, monthly, or annual averages. Unless given for a specific wavelength (spectral albedo), albedo refers to the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Due to measurement constraints, it is often given
Albedo (alchemy) Albedo (alchemy) In alchemy, albedo is one of the four major stages of the magnum opus; along with nigredo, citrinitas and rubedo. It is a Latinicized term meaning "whiteness". Following the chaos or "massa confusa" of the nigredo stage, the alchemist undertakes a purification in albedo, which is literally referred to as "ablutio" – the washing away of impurities. In this process, the subject is divided into two opposing principles to be later coagulated to form a unity of opposites or "coincidentia oppositorum" during rubedo. Titus Burckhardt interprets the albedo as the end of the lesser work, corresponding to a