Atmospheric windows
Atmospheric windows
Atmospheric windows (pronunciation: /æt.məˈsfɪr.ɪk ˈwɪn.doʊz/) are specific portions of the electromagnetic spectrum that can pass through the Earth's atmosphere without being significantly absorbed or scattered.
Etymology
The term "atmospheric window" is derived from the concept of a window as a transparent opening. In this context, it refers to the "openings" in the Earth's atmosphere that allow specific ranges of electromagnetic radiation to pass through.
Types of Atmospheric Windows
There are several types of atmospheric windows, each corresponding to a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum:
- Radio window: This window allows radio waves with frequencies above about 20 kHz to pass through the atmosphere.
- Microwave window: This window allows microwaves, which have frequencies between about 1 GHz and 300 GHz, to pass through the atmosphere.
- Infrared window: This window allows some infrared radiation, with wavelengths between about 8 and 14 micrometers, to pass through the atmosphere.
- Visible light window: This window allows visible light, with wavelengths between about 400 and 700 nanometers, to pass through the atmosphere.
- Ultraviolet window: This window allows some ultraviolet radiation, with wavelengths between about 300 and 400 nanometers, to pass through the atmosphere.
Related Terms
- Absorption: The process by which matter absorbs electromagnetic radiation.
- Scattering: The process by which small particles or objects deflect electromagnetic radiation in various directions.
- Electromagnetic spectrum: The range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.
- Earth's atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, held in place by the Earth's gravity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Atmospheric windows
- Wikipedia's article - Atmospheric windows
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