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Solar Energy on Earth ( Read ) | Earth Science | CK-12
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Energy on Earth  What's wrong with this dog?  Nothing! The
sensor is detecting infrared radiation from the dog — in other
words, heat. The Sun emits infrared radiation among other
wavelengths too.  Energy From the Sun  Most of the energy that
reaches the Earth’s surface comes from the Sun ( Figure below ).
About 44% of solar radiation is in the visible light
wavelengths, but the Sun also emits infrared, ultraviolet, and
other wavelengths.  An image of the sun taken by the SOHO
spacecraft. The sensor is picking up only the 17.1 nm
wavelength, in the ultraviolet wavelengths.   Of the solar
energy that reaches the outer atmosphere, ultraviolet (UV)
wavelengths have the greatest energy. Only about 7% of solar
radiation is in the UV wavelengths. The three types are:    •
UVC: the