Resource: Infrared Gallery

Visible light, the only type of light the human eye can detect, is just one small portion of the entire electromagnetic spectrum, which also includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, x-rays, and gamma rays. Infrared light lies just beyond the red range of visible light. It has lower energies and longer wavelengths, and is often associated with heat. With the help of scientific cameras and instruments, humans are now able to "see" in a variety of wavelengths outside the visible spectrum, and infrared light in particular is proving to be very useful in gathering data about Earth. For example, using remote sensing instruments carried onboard aircraft or orbiting satellites, researchers capture data in invisible wavelengths and are thus able to study Earth features and details that are imperceptible in visible light. Instruments collect the data and then translate the information into images that humans can see.

All matter emits energy. Objects at different temperatures emit energy at different wavelengths and of varying intensities. However, as long as the objects are at a nonzero temperature, they will all emit infrared radiation. By assigning different colors to infrared waves produced by different temperature ranges, false-color images of infrared radiation are created, allowing researchers to "see" temperature differences. Infrared light is also absorbed and reflected in distinct ways by different materials, which can provide additional images and spectral data.

Images showing temperature differences can be used to help understand many processes on Earth. Ocean currents and surface temperatures can be examined, leading to a better understanding of global climate change and weather patterns. Similarly, observations of cloud structures and movements can help with weather forecasting. Sensors that use infrared light can monitor vegetation density, crop health, oil spills, forest fires, and urban heat islands. Infrared radiation can also be used to examine the thickness of ice in the polar regions and to gather data to help explain how volcanoes erupt. In addition, infrared data helps to identify materials and determine the composition of soils, rocks, and gases. Remote sensing using infrared light is indispensable for gaining knowledge about Earth, as well as other planets, stars, galaxies, and interstellar dust.

To learn more about infrared radiation, check out Infrared: More Than Your Eyes Can See.

To learn more about infrared light in astronomy, check out Infrared Search for Origins.

To learn more about how different wavelengths are useful in astronomy, check out Astronomical Images in Different Wavelengths.

To learn more about the electromagnetic spectrum, check out The Electromagnetic Spectrum: FRONTLINE.

• What do the colors on an infrared image tell us about the object?
• Why do some objects or parts of objects emit more infrared than others?
• Pick a familiar object, such as the front of the place you live or your school, and imagine taking an infrared photo. What do you predict it would look like?
• What would Earth look like if viewed in infrared radiation from space? The oceans?
• Why is it useful to be able to "map" the infrared radiation emitted by an object? What are some applications?
• Compare the wavelengths of infrared light and visible light.