Remote Sensing



Unless it has a temperature of absolute zero (-273°C) an object reflects, absorbs, and emits energy in a unique way, and at all times. This energy, called electromagnetic radiation, is emitted in waves that are able to transmit energy from one place to another. For example, this computer, trees, air, the Sun, the Earth, and all the stars and planets are reflecting and emitting a wide range of electromagnetic waves. These waves originate from billions of vibrating electrons, atoms, and molecules, which emit and absorb electromagnetic radiation in unique combinations of wavelengths.


Objects emit more intense radiation at higher frequencies as they are heated. A burned-out lightbulb [at room temperature, 27°C (300 Kelvin)] emits no visible radiation, while a heat lamp [677°C(950 Kelvin)] emits most of its energy in the thermal infrared and a little low frequency (red) light. An incandescent bulb [2223°C (2500 Kelvin)] gives off orange-yellow light, although only ten percent of its emitted energy is visible light—the rest is heat. (Images by Robert Simmon)

The amount of electromagnetic radiation an object emits depends primarily on its temperature. The higher the temperature of an object, the faster its electrons vibrate and the shorter its peak wavelength of emitted radiation. Conversely, the lower the temperature of an object, the slower its electrons vibrate, and the longer its peak wavelength of emitted radiation. This concept can be shown by gripping the end of a long rope and shaking it. Rapidly shaking the rope (high temperature) results in a series of short waves travelling along it, while shaking it slowly (low temperature) results in a series of longer waves.


Remote Sensing
Introduction and History
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Absorption Bands and
Atmospheric Windows

Spectral Signatures
Pixels and Bits
Color Images
Remote Sensing Methods
NASA Remote Sensing


Related Data Sets:
Observation Deck

Planck Curve

Planck Curve
The curves above show the amount of energy an object will emit at 300, 950, and 2500 Kelvin.

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