"Solar irradiance is the power per unit area (surface power density) received from the Sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range of the measuring instrument."
The study of the Sun's energy output, the Earth's absorption and reflection of this energy, and its role in the Earth's climate.
Electromagnetic Spectrum: An in-depth understanding of the concept of electromagnetic waves and their behavior is essential to comprehend the transmission, absorption, and reflection of solar radiation.
Solar Angle: Understanding the concepts of solar angle, declination, and day length is essential to calculate the amount of solar radiation received at a particular location on a given date.
Atmospheric Layers: Understanding the composition of the Earth's various atmospheric layers and its effect on the solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
Tranmission, absorption, and reflection: Understanding the behavior of the Earth's surface and the atmosphere in terms of solar radiation absorption, transmission, and reflection is essential to explain the variation in solar radiation received at different parts of the Earth.
Albedo: A discussion of albedo and how variation in albedo affects the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the Earth's surface.
Spectral Distribution: Analyzing the distribution of solar radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, i.e., shortwave and longwave radiation, is necessary to understand the Earth's energy balance.
Solar Constant: A discussion of the concept of the solar constant and its variations over time is required to understand the overall amount of solar radiation received by the Earth.
Greenhouse Effect: Understanding the greenhouse effect and how it impacts the Earth's energy balance is crucial to explain global warming.
Climate Models: Climate models are used to predict future climate scenarios by incorporating various factors affecting solar radiation, such as solar cycles and cloud cover.
Solar energy applications: Understanding the applications of solar energy and the different solar technologies available to harness solar energy.
Solar radiation measurement: Techniques for measuring and monitoring solar radiation, such as using pyranometers, are essential for accurate predictions of weather and climate patterns.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 100 and 400 nanometers (nm). UV radiation is divided into three subcategories: UVA (320-400 nm), UVB (280-320 nm), and UVC (100-280 nm). UVC is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, while UVA and UVB penetrate the atmosphere and are responsible for sunburn, skin cancer, and other health effects.
Visible Light: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm, which is what we see as the colors of the rainbow. It is responsible for photosynthesis in plants and helps to regulate the circadian rhythms in humans.
Infrared (IR) Radiation: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 700 nm and 1 millimeter (mm). It is divided into three subcategories: near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), and far-infrared (FIR). NIR is used in thermography and remote sensing, while MIR and FIR are used for industrial and medical applications.
X-Rays: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 0.1 and 10 nanometers (nm). It is used in medical imaging and radiotherapy.
Gamma Rays: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths less than 0.1 nm. It is produced by radioactive decay and nuclear explosions.
Radio Waves: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than 1 millimeter (mm). It is used for communication and broadcasting.
"Solar irradiance is measured in watts per square metre (W/m2) in SI units."
"This integrated solar irradiance is called solar irradiation, solar exposure, solar insolation, or insolation."
"Solar irradiance is often integrated over a given time period in order to report the radiant energy emitted into the surrounding environment (joule per square metre, J/m2) during that time period."
"Irradiance may be measured in space or at the Earth's surface after atmospheric absorption and scattering."
"Irradiance in space is a function of distance from the Sun, the solar cycle, and cross-cycle changes."
"Irradiance on the Earth's surface additionally depends on the tilt of the measuring surface, the height of the Sun above the horizon, and atmospheric conditions."
"Solar irradiance affects plant metabolism and animal behavior."
"The study and measurement of solar irradiance have several important applications, including the prediction of energy generation from solar power plants, the heating and cooling loads of buildings, climate modeling and weather forecasting, passive daytime radiative cooling applications, and space travel."
"The prediction of energy generation from solar power plants."
"The heating and cooling loads of buildings."
"Climate modeling and weather forecasting."
"Passive daytime radiative cooling applications."
"Space travel."
"Solar irradiance is measured in watts per square metre (W/m2) in SI units."
"This integrated solar irradiance is called solar irradiation, solar exposure, solar insolation, or insolation."
"Irradiance on the Earth's surface additionally depends on the tilt of the measuring surface, the height of the Sun above the horizon, and atmospheric conditions."
"Irradiance in space is a function of distance from the Sun, the solar cycle, and cross-cycle changes."
"Solar irradiance affects plant metabolism and animal behavior."
"The study and measurement of solar irradiance have several important applications, including the prediction of energy generation from solar power plants, the heating and cooling loads of buildings, climate modeling and weather forecasting, passive daytime radiative cooling applications, and space travel."