![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_62d3da627fa64999a01a9b1d6f302419~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_63,h_50,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/2d1f59_62d3da627fa64999a01a9b1d6f302419~mv2.jpg)
Ariel has the brightest surface of Uranus’ moons, but none of them reflect more than 1/3 of the sunlight that shines on them.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_aedbe49fbc8249808d5d7bc6352af445~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_78,h_78,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/2d1f59_aedbe49fbc8249808d5d7bc6352af445~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_82e79320a48148e89e42d8e97bdd8e54~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_264,al_c,q_80,blur_3,enc_auto/2d1f59_82e79320a48148e89e42d8e97bdd8e54~mv2.jpg)
Scientists believe this is because their surfaces have been darkened by a carbonaceous material. Notably, Ariel is much brighter when in opposition (when the observer is directly between the moon and the Sun).
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_73718bd68d314570b7ad0a10c2ea0766~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_63,h_50,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/2d1f59_73718bd68d314570b7ad0a10c2ea0766~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_9caf34762a9f40d2890653da73a80f10~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_75,h_42,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/2d1f59_9caf34762a9f40d2890653da73a80f10~mv2.jpg)
This indicates that its surface is porous and may cast shadows that decrease reflectivity when illuminated at certain angles.