Earthshine by Rush - Song Images

Album: Vapor Trails (2002)

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Earthshine occurs due to a double reflection of sunlight. Light from the Sun is reflected off of the Earth onto the Moon some of this light is then reflected off of the Moon back towards the Earth. Because of this we see part of the Moon illuminated by the Sun and the rest of the Moon dimly illuminated by this doubly reflected light (which we call earthshine). Each time light reflects off a surface (like a planet), it gets dimmer because some of the light is absorbed by the reflecting surface. This means that earthshine is dimmer than moonlight because earthshine is sunlight that has been reflected twice and moonlight is sunlight that has been reflected only once (off the surface of the moon). In addition, the reflectivity of the moon (its "albedo") is less than that of the Earth, which makes earthshine even dimmer.

Photo: NASA

Comments: 9

Bill from AtlantaWhen I first heard Vapor Trails, Earthshine really stood out as a truly excellent song. Heavy riffs, melodic chorus, exceptional lyrics. One Of Rush's finest.
Joe from Manchester, Nji wish rush would go back to prog. hopefully in the next album
Shane from Raynham, MaThe Title and lyrics of this song, and the whole vapor trails album, are inspired by the time after the tragic events of Neils life and he rode all around n.america on his motorcycle
John from Asheville, NcNice heavy tune. Love it. Great chorus.
Jordan from Port Hope, CanadaThe live solo is so much better than that recorded in the studio.
Cory from Cleveland, TnI believe this song is a preview of the style of music Rush is beginning to start playing in the future.
Brian from Meriden, CtThe music on Earthshine and on the album in general was quite a departure for the band, especially the guitar. But the lyrical content was in some ways very "Rush." At least in how they're often thought of. Cerebral, symbolic, often scientific, and in this case, more personal and introspective. Neil's pain and quest for deep answers came across beautifully.
Jesse from L.a., CaLove Vapor Trails, but I like Secret Touch better than this song. I wish they'd play Ghost Rider instead of this live. The riff's cool, but it's not their strongest from the album...
Mike from Mountlake Terrace, WashingtonThis song opens with an awesome guitar riff, heavy and catchy. I love this song. It's a real rocker!!

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