Shortwave radiation (optics)

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

The range of shortwave radiation is usually from about 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers. Most of the Sun's energy that reaches the Earth falls within this range, especially between 0.2 and 3.0 micrometers.

Shortwave radiation is different from longwave radiation, which the Earth itself gives off. 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 longwave radiation solar irradiance solar zenith angle cloud cover