Hobbies And Interests
Infrared Light
Infrared light sits between microwave and visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. According to NASA, the wavelengths of infrared light range from "near infrared", which is closest in wavelength to visible light, to "far infrared", which is toward the microwave end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Far infrared waves are thermal and felt as heat, whereas the shorter near infrared waves are not, and gain use in remote controls, for example.
Infrared Satellite
An infrared satellite measures the infrared radiation that the Earth emits. The satellite is fitted with special sensors that can record the amount of infrared radiation released or reflected from the Earth's surface. The U.K. Met Office says the infrared image, captured by the satellite, shows the invisible infrared radiation emitted directly by cloud tops and land or ocean surfaces. A key advantage of infrared images is their ability to record data 24 hours a day.
Weather Observation &Forecasting
Infrared satellites are commonly used in weather forecasting and observation. These satellites are usually positioned in a geostationary orbit, meaning that they cover the same spot of the Earth all the time as they rotate at the same speed. They determine where clouds are, the type of cloud and where they are moving. This is possible because the infrared radiation measured by the satellites is proportional to temperature, therefore providing a temperature measurement for meteorologists, as explained on the NOAA Science on a Sphere website.
Clouds absorb the infrared radiation emitted from the Earth and emit their own, at a lower temperature, allowing meteorologists to detect their location. Furthermore, the height of the clouds is proportional to temperature, so the infrared radiation emitted from each cloud can ascertain the tallest clouds, which are the coldest and often the ones that bring the most severe weather, according to the NOAA.
Other Uses
Infrared satellites such as the Infrared Astronomy Satellite, look out into space and measure the infrared radiation emitted from distant stars and galaxies, according to NASA. Moreover, Frances Cronin of BBC News, says infrared satellite images have been used successfully by archaeologist to find 17 lost pyramids. In this instance, the infrared imaging determined different materials below the Earth's surface.