Infrared cameras
can pick up radiation from heat sources.
The visible light humans encounter in the world is one small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Along the spectrum are other electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves and radio waves. Certain cameras can detect energy at wavelengths beyond what the human eye can see. Among these wavelengths, we find infrared light. Infrared cameras have many applications in the practical world.
Infrared Light
Infrared light or radiation is a longer-wavelength radiation than visible light. It exists just outside of the spectrum of visible light. Heat, or thermal energy, is a common source of infrared light. An infrared camera is a device specially designed to detect and display the sources of this kind of light. A thermal infrared camera converts the heat detected into electrical signals, which are then projected in an image.
Astronomy
Infrared cameras are useful in astronomy, as many of the processes in the universe are not occurring within the visible spectrum. Furthermore, many obstacles exist between the human eye and a distant astronomical object, such as another galaxy. Infrared telescopes are used in orbit to see things which Earth's atmosphere might obscure.
Meteorology
Infrared cameras are also useful for the science of meteorology. Earth's weather formations involve patterns of heat. Infrared cameras on satellites provide data about both the ground and atmospheric temperature that allow meteorologists to analyze the behavior of the Earth's atmosphere.
Night Vision
Many types of night vision cameras are based on infrared light. A human body will always emit heat, and infrared cameras will detect this radiation. Hence, even when there is not sufficient visible light to see a living organism, an infrared camera will be able to reveal it.
Security and Military
Because of its night vision applications and the ability to see beyond the visible, an infrared camera is often extremely useful in military circumstances and situations where high security is required.
Tags: Infrared cameras, infrared camera, visible light, infrared light, Earth atmosphere, night vision
