Solar radiation - 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 that constantly emits energy flows into the space around it. They are called radiation. Fatal, at the same time it is this energy - 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 interconnected.
General view
To understand what constitutes solar radiation, you must first understand what the Sun is. The main source of heat, providing the conditions for organic existence on our planet, in the universal expanses is just a small star on the galactic outskirts of the Milky Way. But for earthlings, the Sun is the center of the 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 forms of energy without which our existence would not be possible.
In ancient times, the source of solar radiation - the Sun - was a deity, an object worthy of worship. The solar trajectory through the sky to people seemed obvious evidence of God's will. Attempts to understand the essence of the phenomenon, explain what this luminary represents, have been undertaken for a long time, and Copernicus made a particularly significant contribution to them, forming the idea of heliocentrism, which was very different from the generally accepted in that era of geocentrism. However, it is known for certain that in ancient times, scientists have often thought about what the Sun is, why it is so important for any life form on our planet, why the movement of this luminary is exactly the way we see it.
The progress of technology has made it possible to better understand what the Sun is like, what processes are taking place inside the star, on its surface. Scientists have learned what constitutes solar radiation, how a gas object acts on planets in its zone of influence, in particular, on the Earth’s climate. Now mankind has enough voluminous knowledge base to say with confidence: it was possible to find out what is essentially the radiation emitted by the Sun, 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 the assumption: thermonuclear fusion occurs in the depths of the sun, which allows a huge amount of energy to be released to the space around the star. Trying to estimate the magnitude of solar radiation, efforts were made to determine the actual parameters of the medium on the star. So, the core temperature, according to scientists, reaches 15 million degrees. This is enough to cope with the mutual repulsive influence of protons. The collision of units leads to the formation of helium nuclei.
New information has attracted the attention of many prominent scientists, including A. Einstein. In an attempt to estimate the magnitude of solar radiation, scientists found that helium nuclei were inferior in mass to the total value of 4 protons needed to form a new structure. So 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 the “runaway” quantities, scientists compared the energy cure and the specifics of the change in mass. It was then that it was possible to identify that the difference is emitted by gamma rays.
Radiated objects make their way from the core of our star to its surface through numerous atmospheric gas layers, which leads to the fragmentation of elements and the formation of electromagnetic radiation on their basis. Among other types of solar radiation is light perceived by the human eye. Rough estimates suggest that the process of passing gamma rays takes about 10 million years. Another eight minutes - and the radiated energy reaches the surface of our planet.
How and what?
Solar radiation is the total complex of electromagnetic radiation, which has a fairly wide range. This includes the so-called solar wind, that is, the energy flux generated by electrons, light particles. On the boundary layer of the atmosphere of our planet, the same intensity of solar radiation is constantly observed. The star’s energy is discrete, its transfer is through quanta, and the particle nuance is so unimportant that rays can be considered as electromagnetic waves. And their distribution, as physicists have found, occurs evenly and in a straight line. Thus, in order to describe solar radiation, it is necessary to determine its inherent wavelength. Based on this parameter, it is customary to distinguish several types of radiation:
- heat;
- radio wave;
- White light;
- ultraviolet;
- gamma;
- X-ray
The ratio of infrared, visible, ultraviolet to the 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 surface area in a given time period.
Studies have shown that solar radiation is predominantly absorbed by the planetary atmosphere. Due to this, heating occurs to a temperature comfortable for the organic life characteristic of the Earth. The existing ozone shell allows only one hundredth of ultraviolet radiation to pass through. At the same time, short-wave waves that are dangerous for living creatures are completely blocked. Atmospheric layers are able to scatter almost a third of the rays of the Sun, another 20% are absorbed. Consequently, the planet’s surface reaches no more than half of all energy. It is this “remnant" in science called direct solar radiation.
And if in more detail?
Several aspects are known on which it depends how intense direct radiation will be. The most significant are the angle of incidence, depending on latitude (geographic characteristics of the terrain on the globe), the time of year, which determines how large the distance to a particular point from the radiation source. Much depends on the characteristics of the atmosphere - how much it is polluted, how many clouds at a given moment. Finally, the nature of the surface on which the ray falls, namely, its ability to reflect incoming waves, plays a role.
Total solar radiation is a quantity 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, they remember that at different times of the day, the values characteristic of radiation are different. 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 cover has a high reflectivity, which means that the air does not get the opportunity to warm up. Therefore, the farther from the equator, the total indicators of solar wave radiation will be less.
As scientists were able to identify, the energy of solar 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 closest neighbors, as well as in other countries located in the northern hemisphere, in winter the predominant share belongs to scattered radiation, but in summer direct prevails.
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 the air masses. This helps maintain a comfortable climate, maintain the conditions for the existence of organic life. If no serious malfunctions occur, the climate remains conditionally unchanged, which means that all creatures can live in their usual conditions.
Our luminary 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 perception of infrared radiation that numerous devices work, which make it possible to see heated bodies in the dark, other conditions uncomfortable for the eyes. By the way, according to a similar principle, compact devices have become so popular recently in order to assess through which sections 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 areas heat is lost, organize their protection and prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
Do not underestimate the effect of solar radiation on the infrared spectrum of the human body just because our eyes cannot perceive such waves. In particular, radiation is actively used in medicine, because 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 colloidal scars and trophic wounds.
It's curious
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 a cancer or blood clot. IR to some extent protects against ultraviolet radiation, which is dangerous for organic life, which made it possible to use waves of this spectrum to restore health for a long time to space astronauts.
The nature around us is still mysterious, it concerns the radiation of various wavelengths. In particular, infrared light is still not thoroughly investigated. Scientists know that its improper use can cause harm to health. So, it is unacceptable to use equipment that forms such a light for the treatment of purulent inflamed areas, bleeding and malignant neoplasms. The infrared spectrum is contraindicated in 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 light visible to the human eye. Wave beams propagate in straight lines, so there is no overlap. 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 their role:
- refraction;
- reflection;
- absorption.
As scientists have found, objects are not capable of being sources of visible light, but they can absorb radiation and reflect it. The angles of reflection, the frequency of the waves, vary. Over many centuries, the ability of a person to see has gradually improved, but certain limitations are due to the biological structure of the eye: the retina is such that it can only accept certain rays of reflected light waves. This radiation is a small gap between ultraviolet and infrared waves.
Numerous curious and mysterious lighting features not only became the topic of many works, but also were the basis for the emergence of a new physical discipline. At the same time, unscientific practices and theories appeared, the followers of which believe that color can affect a person’s physical condition and psyche. Based on such assumptions, 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 short lengths. They are different from each other both in physical parameters and in features of their influence on the forms of organic life. Long ultraviolet waves, for example, in the atmospheric layers are mainly scattered, 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 a 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:
- normalizes 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 endorphin, which means that nervous excitation is reduced.
but on the other hand
It was indicated above that the total solar radiation refers to the amount of radiation that reaches the planet’s surface and is scattered in the atmosphere. Accordingly, an element of this volume is ultraviolet of all lengths. It must be remembered that this factor has both positive and negative aspects of influence on organic life. Sun baths, often beneficial, can be a source of health hazard. Too long exposure to direct sunlight, especially in conditions of increased activity of the body, is harmful and dangerous. A prolonged effect on the body, as well as too high radiation activity, causes:
- burns, redness;
- swelling;
- hyperemia;
- heat;
- nausea
- vomiting
Prolonged ultraviolet irradiation provokes a violation of appetite, the functioning of the central nervous system, and the immune system. In addition, the head begins to hurt. The described symptoms are classic manifestations of sunstroke. A person himself can not always realize what is happening - the condition worsens gradually. If it is noticeable that someone nearby became ill, you should provide first aid. The scheme is as follows:
- Help move from direct light to a cool, shaded area
- put the patient on his back so that his legs are above the head (this will help bring blood flow back to normal);
- cool the neck, face with water, and put a cold compress on the forehead;
- unfasten a tie, belt, remove tight clothing;
- 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 the help of a doctor. The ambulance team will move the person to a safe place and make an injection of glucose or vitamin C. The medicine is injected into a vein.
How to sunbathe correctly?
In order not to know from your own experience how unpleasant the excessive amount of solar radiation obtained during tanning can be, it is important to follow the rules for 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, tanning is an attempt by the body to protect itself from excessive exposure to radiation. At the same time, the likelihood of the formation of malignant neoplasms increases. On the other hand, a tan is considered fashionable and beautiful. In order to minimize risks for yourself, it is reasonable to analyze before the start of the beach procedures how dangerous the amount of solar radiation received during sunbathing is, how to minimize risks for yourself. To make the experience as pleasant as possible, sunbathers should:
- to drink a lot of water;
- use skin-protecting agents;
- sunbathing in the evening or in the morning;
- spend under direct rays of the sun no more than an hour;
- do not drink alcohol;
- include foods rich in selenium, tocopherol, tyrosine. Do not forget about beta-carotene.
The value of solar radiation for the human body is extremely great, do not lose sight of both positive and negative aspects. , , - . , , . .
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