Shortwave radiation (optics)

Shortwave radiation is a type of energy that comes from the Sun and reaches the Earth. It includes the light we can see, which is called the visible spectrum, as well as some nearby types of light such as near-ultraviolet and near-infrared. This radiation helps to warm the planet and is important for life.

The range of shortwave radiation can be defined in different ways, but it usually includes wavelengths from about 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers. Most of the Sun's energy that reaches the Earth's surface falls within this range, especially between 0.2 and 3.0 micrometers.

Shortwave radiation is different from longwave radiation, which is emitted by the Earth itself. Downward shortwave radiation depends on how directly the Sun shines on a place and whether there are clouds in the sky. Understanding shortwave radiation helps scientists study our climate and how the Earth absorbs and reflects energy from the Sun.

thermal radiation optical spectrum visible ultraviolet near-infrared μm W/m² UV-C UV-B UV-A longwave radiation solar irradiance solar zenith angle cloud cover