Sunmax Optical Co., Ltd.

The atmosphere absorbs light from the Sun through several processes involving different gases and particles. Here's a breakdown of how this happens:

    1.Absorption by Atmospheric Gases

Ozone (O3): Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This absorption protects living organisms from DNA damage.

Oxygen (O2): Oxygen molecules absorb UV radiation, contributing to the formation of ozone.

Water Vapor (H2O): Water vapor absorbs infrared (IR) radiation, which contributes to the greenhouse effect by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide also absorbs IR radiation, playing a significant role in the greenhouse effect.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Nitrogen dioxide absorbs visible light and UV radiation, contributing to the absorption spectrum of the atmosphere.2

   2. Scattering by Particles and Molecules

Rayleigh Scattering: Small molecules like nitrogen and oxygen scatter shorter wavelengths of light (blue and violet). This scattering is why the sky appears blue.

Mie Scattering: Larger particles like dust, smoke, and water droplets scatter all wavelengths of light, which is why clouds appear white

   3.Absorption by Aerosols and Particulates

Aerosols: Particles like dust, soot, and pollen can absorb and scatter light. Black carbon (soot) absorbs visible and IR radiation, contributing to atmospheric warming.

Particulates: These can include both natural and human-made particles, which can scatter and absorb sunlight, affecting the overall radiation balance.

   4.Reflection by Clouds and Surface

Clouds: Clouds reflect a significant amount of sunlight back into space, which can cool the Earth's surface.

Surface Reflection: The Earth's surface can reflect sunlight, depending on the albedo (reflectivity) of different surfaces like ice, water, and vegetation.

   5.Greenhouse Effect

Infrared Absorption: Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, trapping heat in the atmosphere and maintaining the planet's temperature.

Detailed Absorption Spectrum

The absorption spectrum of the atmosphere shows how different wavelengths of light are absorbed by various atmospheric components. The key absorption bands include:

 

UV Absorption: Mainly by ozone and oxygen.

Visible Light: Minimal absorption, allowing most visible light to reach the surface.

Infrared Absorption: Significant absorption by water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases.

These processes combined result in the atmosphere's selective absorption and scattering of sunlight, shaping the Earth's climate and weather patterns.

 

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Sunmax Optical Co., Ltd. is an experienced eyewear consultant and manufacturer, specializing in sports sunglasses, safety glasses, ski goggles, and optical eyewear.With 20 years in the industry, we provide top-tier Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) and Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) services. Our focus on efficiency in design, production, and logistics ensures competitive pricing and superior product quality.

 

(reference picture of atmosphere)