Solar radiation is the radiation inherent in the luminary of our planetary system. The Sun is the main star around which the Earth revolves, as well as neighboring planets. In fact, this is a huge hot gas ball, constantly emitting energy flows into the space around it. This is what they call radiation. Deadly, at the same time it is this energy that is one of the main factors that make life possible on our planet. Like everything in this world, the benefits and harms of solar radiation for organic life are closely interrelated.
General view
To understand what solar radiation is, you must first understand what the Sun is. The main source of heat, which provides the conditions for organic existence on our planet, in the universal spaces is only a small star on the galactic outskirts of the Milky Way. But for earthlings, the Sun is the center of a mini-universe. After all, it is around this gas clot that our planet revolves. The sun gives us warmth and illumination, that is, it supplies formsenergy without which our existence would be impossible.
In ancient times, the source of solar radiation - the Sun - was a deity, an object worthy of worship. The solar trajectory across the sky seemed to people an obvious proof of God's will. Attempts to delve into the essence of the phenomenon, to explain what this luminary is, have been made for a long time, and Copernicus made a particularly significant contribution to them, having formed the idea of heliocentrism, which was strikingly different from the geocentrism generally accepted in that era. However, it is known for certain that even in ancient times, scientists thought more than once about what the Sun is, why it is so important for all forms of life on our planet, why the movement of this luminary is exactly the way we see it.
Progress in technology has made it possible to better understand what the Sun is, what processes take place inside the star, on its surface. Scientists have learned what solar radiation is, how a gas object affects the planets in its zone of influence, in particular, the earth's climate. Now humanity has a sufficiently large knowledge base to say with confidence: it was possible to find out what the radiation emitted by the Sun is, how to measure this energy flow and how to formulate the features of its impact on various forms of organic life on Earth.
About terms
The most important step in mastering the essence of the concept was made in the last century. It was then that the eminent astronomer A. Eddington formulated an assumption: thermonuclear fusion occurs in the solar depths, whichallows a huge amount of energy to be released into the space around the star. Trying to estimate the amount of solar radiation, efforts were made to determine the actual parameters of the environment on the star. Thus, the core temperature, according to scientists, reaches 15 million degrees. This is sufficient to cope with the mutual repulsive influence of protons. The collision of units leads to the formation of helium nuclei.
New information attracted the attention of many prominent scientists, including A. Einstein. In an attempt to estimate the amount of solar radiation, scientists found that helium nuclei are inferior in mass to the total value of 4 protons required to form a new structure. Thus, a feature of the reactions, called the "mass defect", was revealed. But in nature, nothing can disappear without a trace! In an attempt to find "escaped" quantities, scientists compared the energy recovery and the specifics of the change in mass. It was then that it was possible to reveal that the difference is emitted by gamma quanta.
Emitted objects break through from the core of our star to its surface through numerous gaseous atmospheric layers, which leads to the fragmentation of elements and the formation of electromagnetic radiation on their basis. Among other types of solar radiation is the light perceived by the human eye. Approximate estimates suggested that the process of passage of gamma rays takes about 10 million years. Another eight minutes - and the radiated energy reaches the surface of our planet.
Like what?
Solar radiation is called the total complex of electromagnetic radiation, which is characterized by a fairly wide range. This includes the so-called solar wind, that is, the energy flow formed by electrons, light particles. At the boundary layer of the atmosphere of our planet, the same intensity of solar radiation is constantly observed. The energy of a star is discrete, its transfer is carried out through quanta, while the corpuscular nuance is so insignificant that one can consider the rays as electromagnetic waves. And their distribution, as physicists have found out, occurs evenly and in a straight line. Thus, in order to describe solar radiation, it is necessary to determine its characteristic wavelength. Based on this parameter, it is customary to distinguish several types of radiation:
- warm;
- radio wave;
- white light;
- ultraviolet;
- gamma;
- x-ray.
The ratio of infrared, visible, ultraviolet best is estimated as follows: 52%, 43%, 5%.
For a quantitative radiation assessment, it is necessary to calculate the energy flux density, that is, the amount of energy that reaches a limited area of the surface in a given time period.
As studies have shown, solar radiation is predominantly absorbed by the planetary atmosphere. Due to this, heating occurs to a temperature comfortable for organic life, characteristic of the Earth. The existing ozone shell allows only one hundredth of the ultraviolet radiation to pass through. The waves are completely blocked.short length, dangerous to living beings. Atmospheric layers are able to scatter almost a third of the sun's rays, another 20% are absorbed. Consequently, no more than half of all energy reaches the surface of the planet. It was this "residue" in science that was called direct solar radiation.
And if in more detail?
There are several aspects that determine how intense direct radiation will be. The most significant are the angle of incidence, which depends on latitude (a geographical characteristic of the terrain on the globe), the time of year, which determines how great the distance to a particular point from the radiation source is. Much depends on the characteristics of the atmosphere - how polluted it is, how many clouds there are at a given moment. Finally, the nature of the surface on which the beam falls, namely, its ability to reflect incoming waves, plays a role.
Total solar radiation is a value that combines scattered volumes and direct radiation. The parameter used to estimate the intensity is estimated in calories per unit area. At the same time, it is remembered that at different times of the day the values inherent in radiation differ. In addition, energy cannot be distributed evenly over the surface of the planet. The closer to the pole, the higher the intensity, while the snow covers are highly reflective, which means that the air does not get the opportunity to warm up. Therefore, the farther from the equator, the less total solar wave radiation will be.
As scientists were able to identify, energySolar radiation has a serious impact on the planetary climate, subjugates the vital activity of various organisms that exist on Earth. In our country, as well as in the territory of its nearest neighbors, as in other countries located in the northern hemisphere, in winter the predominant share belongs to scattered radiation, but in summer direct radiation dominates.
Infrared waves
Of the total amount of total solar radiation, an impressive percentage belongs to the infrared spectrum, which is not perceived by the human eye. Due to such waves, the surface of the planet is heated, gradually transferring thermal energy to air masses. This helps to maintain a comfortable climate, maintain conditions for the existence of organic life. If there are no serious failures, the climate remains conditionally unchanged, which means that all creatures can live in their usual conditions.
Our star is not the only source of infrared waves. Similar radiation is characteristic of any heated object, including an ordinary battery in a human house. It is on the principle of infrared radiation perception that numerous devices operate, which make it possible to see heated bodies in the dark, otherwise uncomfortable conditions for the eyes. By the way, compact devices that have become so popular recently work on a similar principle to assess through which parts of the building the greatest heat losses occur. These mechanisms are especially widespread among builders, as well as owners of private houses, since they help to identify through which sectionsheat is lost, organize their protection and prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
Don't underestimate the effect of solar infrared radiation on the human body just because our eyes cannot perceive such waves. In particular, radiation is actively used in medicine, since it allows to increase the concentration of leukocytes in the circulatory system, as well as to normalize blood flow by increasing the lumen of blood vessels. Devices based on the IR spectrum are used as prophylactic against skin pathologies, therapeutic in inflammatory processes in acute and chronic form. The most modern drugs help to cope with colloid scars and trophic wounds.
This is interesting
Based on the study of solar radiation factors, it was possible to create truly unique devices called thermographs. They make it possible to timely detect various diseases that are not available for detection in other ways. This is how you can find cancer or a blood clot. IR protects to some extent from ultraviolet radiation, which is dangerous for organic life, which made it possible to use waves of this spectrum to restore the he alth of astronauts who were in space for a long time.
The nature around us is still mysterious to this day, this also applies to radiation of various wavelengths. In particular, infrared light is still not fully explored. Scientists know that its improper use can cause harm to he alth. Thus, it is unacceptable to use equipment that generates such light for the treatment of purulentinflamed areas, bleeding and malignant neoplasms. The infrared spectrum is contraindicated for people suffering from impaired functioning of the heart, blood vessels, including those located in the brain.
Visible light
One of the elements of total solar radiation is the light visible to the human eye. Wave beams propagate in straight lines, so there is no superposition on each other. At one time, this became the topic of a considerable number of scientific works: scientists set out to understand why there are so many shades around us. It turned out that the key parameters of light play a role:
- refraction;
- reflection;
- absorption.
As scientists have found out, objects are not capable of being visible light sources by themselves, but they can absorb radiation and reflect it. Reflection angles, wave frequency vary. Over the centuries, the ability of a person to see has been gradually improved, but certain limitations are due to the biological structure of the eye: the retina is such that it can perceive only certain rays of reflected light waves. This radiation is a small gap between ultraviolet and infrared waves.
Many curious and mysterious features of light not only became the subject of many works, but were the basis for the birth of a new physical discipline. At the same time, non-scientific practices, theories appeared, the adherents of which believe that color can affect the physical state of a person, the psyche. On the basis of suchassumptions, people surround themselves with objects that are most pleasing to their eyes, making everyday life more comfortable.
Ultraviolet
An equally important aspect of the total solar radiation is the ultraviolet study, formed by waves of large, medium and small lengths. They differ from each other both in physical parameters and in the peculiarities of their influence on the forms of organic life. Long ultraviolet waves, for example, are mainly scattered in the atmospheric layers, and only a small percentage reaches the earth's surface. The shorter the wavelength, the deeper such radiation can penetrate human (and not only) skin.
On the one hand, ultraviolet is dangerous, but without it, the existence of diverse organic life is impossible. Such radiation is responsible for the formation of calciferol in the body, and this element is necessary for the construction of bone tissue. The UV spectrum is a powerful prevention of rickets, osteochondrosis, which is especially important in childhood. In addition, such radiation:
- regulates metabolism;
- activates the production of essential enzymes;
- enhances regenerative processes;
- stimulates blood flow;
- dilates blood vessels;
- stimulates the immune system;
- leads to the formation of endorphins, which means that nervous overexcitation decreases.
Reverse side of the coin
It was stated above that the total solar radiation is the amount of radiation reaching the surfaceplanets and scattered in the atmosphere. Accordingly, the element of this volume is the ultraviolet of all lengths. It must be remembered that this factor has both positive and negative aspects of influence on organic life. Sunbathing, while often beneficial, can be a he alth hazard. Too long exposure to direct sunlight, especially in conditions of increased activity of the luminary, is harmful and dangerous. Prolonged exposure to the body, as well as too high radiation activity, cause:
- burns, redness;
- edema;
- hyperemia;
- heat;
- nausea;
- vomit.
Prolonged ultraviolet irradiation provokes a violation of appetite, the functioning of the central nervous system, the immune system. Also, my head starts to hurt. The symptoms described are classic manifestations of sunstroke. The person himself cannot always realize what is happening - the condition worsens gradually. If it is noticeable that someone nearby has become ill, first aid should be provided. The scheme is as follows:
- help move from direct light to a cool shaded area;
- put the patient on his back so that the legs are higher than the head (this will help normalize blood flow);
- cool the neck, face with water, and put a cold compress on the forehead;
- unfasten tie, belt, take off tight clothes;
- half an hour after the attack give cool water to drink (a small amount).
If the victim has lost consciousness, it is important to immediately seek help from a doctor. An ambulance will move the person to a safe place and give an injection of glucose or vitamin C. The medicine is injected into a vein.
How to sunbathe properly?
In order not to experience how unpleasant the excessive amount of solar radiation received during tanning can be, it is important to follow the rules of safe spending time in the sun. Ultraviolet initiates the production of melanin, a hormone that helps the skin protect itself from the negative effects of waves. Under the influence of this substance, the skin becomes darker, and the shade turns into bronze. To this day, disputes about how useful and harmful it is for a person do not subside.
On the one hand, sunburn is an attempt by the body to protect itself from excessive exposure to radiation. This increases the likelihood of the formation of malignant neoplasms. On the other hand, tan is considered fashionable and beautiful. In order to minimize risks for yourself, it is reasonable to analyze before starting beach procedures how dangerous the amount of solar radiation received during sunbathing is, how to minimize risks for yourself. To make the experience as enjoyable as possible, sunbathers should:
- drink plenty of water;
- use skin protection products;
- sunbathe in the evening or in the morning;
- spend no more than an hour in direct sunlight;
- do not drink alcohol;
- include foods rich in selenium, tocopherol, tyrosine in the menu. Don't forget about beta-carotene.
The value of solar radiation forthe human body is exceptionally large, do not lose sight of both positive and negative aspects. You should be aware that in different people biochemical reactions occur with individual characteristics, so for someone even half an hour sunbathing can be dangerous. It is reasonable to consult a doctor before the beach season, assess the type and condition of the skin. This will help prevent harm to he alth.
If possible, avoid sunbathing in old age, during the period of bearing a baby. Cancer diseases, mental disorders, skin pathologies and heart failure are not combined with sunbathing.
Total radiation: where is the shortage?
Quite interesting to consider is the distribution of solar radiation. As mentioned above, only about half of all waves can reach the surface of the planet. Where do the rest disappear to? The different layers of the atmosphere and the microscopic particles from which they are formed play their role. An impressive part, as was indicated, is absorbed by the ozone layer - these are all waves whose length is less than 0.36 microns. Additionally, ozone is able to absorb some types of waves from the spectrum visible to the human eye, that is, the interval 0.44-1.18 microns.
UV is absorbed to some extent by the oxygen layer. This is characteristic of radiation with a wavelength of 0.13-0.24 microns. Carbon dioxide, water vapor can absorb a small percentage of the infrared spectrum. Atmospheric aerosol absorbs some part (IR spectrum) of the total amount of solar radiation.
Waves from the category of short waves are scattered in the atmosphere due to the presence of microscopic inhomogeneous particles, aerosol, clouds here. Inhomogeneous elements, particles whose dimensions are inferior to the wavelength, provoke molecular scattering, and for larger ones, the phenomenon described by the indicatrix, that is, aerosol, is characteristic.
Another amount of solar radiation reaches the earth's surface. It combines direct radiation, diffused radiation.
Total radiation: important aspects
The total value is the amount of solar radiation received by the territory, as well as absorbed in the atmosphere. If there are no clouds in the sky, the total amount of radiation depends on the latitude of the area, the altitude of the celestial body, the type of earth's surface in this area, and the level of air transparency. The more aerosol particles scattered in the atmosphere, the lower the direct radiation, but the proportion of scattered radiation increases. Normally, in the absence of cloudiness in the total radiation, diffuse is one fourth.
Our country belongs to the northern ones, so most of the year in the southern regions the radiation is much greater than in the northern ones. This is due to the position of the star in the sky. But the short time period May-July is a unique period, when even in the north the total radiation is quite impressive, since the sun is high in the sky, and the daylight hours are longer than in other months of the year. At the same time, on average, in the Asian half of the country, in the absence of cloudiness, the totalradiation is more significant than in the west. The maximum strength of wave radiation is observed at noon, and the annual maximum occurs in June, when the sun is highest in the sky.
Total solar radiation is the amount of solar energy reaching our planet. At the same time, it must be remembered that various atmospheric factors lead to the fact that the annual arrival of total radiation is less than it could be. The biggest difference between the actually observed and the maximum possible is typical for the Far Eastern regions in the summer. The monsoons cause extremely dense clouds, so the total radiation is reduced by about half.
Curious to know
The largest percentage of the maximum possible exposure to solar energy in reality is observed (calculated for 12 months) in the south of the country. The indicator reaches 80%.
Cloudy doesn't always result in the same amount of solar scatter. The shape of the clouds plays a role, the features of the solar disk at a particular moment in time. If it is open, then cloudiness causes a decrease in direct radiation, while diffuse radiation increases sharply.
There are also days when direct radiation is approximately the same in strength as scattered radiation. The daily total value can be even greater than the radiation characteristic of a completely cloudless day.
In terms of 12 months, special attention should be paid to astronomical phenomena as determining the overall numerical indicators. At the same time, cloudiness leads to the fact that the real radiation maximum can be observed not in June, but a month earlier or later.
Radiation in space
From the boundary of the magnetosphere of our planet and further into outer space, solar radiation becomes a factor associated with a mortal danger to humans. As early as 1964, an important popular science work on defense methods was published. Its authors were Soviet scientists Kamanin, Bubnov. It is known that for a person, the radiation dose per week should be no more than 0.3 roentgens, while for a year it should be within 15 R. For short-term exposure, the limit for a person is 600 R. Flights into space, especially in conditions of unpredictable solar activity, may be accompanied by significant exposure of astronauts, which obliges to take additional measures to protect against waves of different lengths.
After the Apollo missions, during which protection methods were tested, factors affecting human he alth were studied, more than a decade has passed, but to this day scientists cannot find effective, reliable methods for predicting geomagnetic storms. You can make a forecast for hours, sometimes for several days, but even for a weekly forecast, the chances of realization are no more than 5%. The solar wind is even more unpredictable. With a probability of one in three, astronauts, setting off on a new mission, can fall into powerful radiation fluxes. This makes even more important the issue of both research and forecasting of radiation features, and development of methods for protection againsthim.
