Solar radiation research encompasses the quantitative characterization, modeling, and variability analysis of electromagnetic energy emitted by the Sun and received at or near Earth, spanning ultraviolet to near‑infrared and sometimes extending to longer wavelengths. This research area investigates solar spectral and broadband irradiance, its spatial and temporal variability driven by solar activity and Earth–Sun geometry, and its modification by atmospheric constituents, clouds, and surface properties. It underpins radiative transfer modeling, climate and weather prediction, solar energy resource assessment, remote sensing retrievals, and studies of radiative forcing, enabling improved parameterizations in climate models and optimized design and siting of solar energy systems.
In May 2024, a geomagnetic storm hit Earth, sending auroras across the planet's skies in a once-in-a-generation light display. These dazzling sights are possible because of the interaction of coronal mass ejections—explosions ...
Planetary Sciences
Sep 27, 2024
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46
The Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS) onboard NOAA's GOES-19 satellite, which launched on June 25, 2024, are powered on, performing well, and observing the sun.
Planetary Sciences
Sep 26, 2024
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62
Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising candidates for enhancing sun protection in cosmetics, offering superior UV-blocking capabilities compared to soluble lignin oligomers. However, the effects of the chemical ...
Bio & Medicine
Mar 11, 2024
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131
The sunlight received by Earth is a mixed bag of wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet to visible to infrared. Each wavelength carries inherent energy that, if effectively harnessed, holds great potential to facilitate solar ...
Nanophysics
Feb 27, 2024
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172
Thermal radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted by all objects with temperature and most representatively, there is the solar radiation spectrum that enters the Earth and causes the greenhouse effect.
Nanophysics
Feb 5, 2024
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116
Sunlight is an inexhaustible source of energy, and utilizing sunlight to generate electricity is one of the cornerstones of renewable energy. More than 40% of the sunlight that falls on Earth is in the infrared, visible and ...
Nanomaterials
Sep 13, 2023
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147
New materials will enable novel technologies to turn sunlight into electricity and fuels. Combinations of molecules and tiny nanoparticles make these materials a reality. The molecules in these materials are very good at ...
Nanophysics
Apr 29, 2022
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161
