JEG100H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Solar Constant, Sphericity, Solar Irradiance
27 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Super massive black hole in center of milky way. Perihelion: earth is closest to sun (january 3) Solar flares (magnetic storms with surface explosions) and prominence eruptions (gas outbursts arcing from surface) at maximum. Sun emits clouds of electrically charged particles that surge outwards from surface. Most solar activity pulled back by sun gravity. Longwave radiation comes from earth; shortwave comes from sun. Wien"s displacement law (cid:644) = c/t c = 2898 (cid:645)mk. Point to assess entering solar radiation before scattered and absorbed in passing through atmosphere. Rate of radiation delivery to horizontal surface (w/m2) Insolation reduced through scattering, refection, absorption of short-wave radiation as it passes through atmosphere. Atmosphere stops us from being killed by radiation. Curved surface means differences in angle of solar rays at different latitudes. Solar rays at poles also pass through more atmosphere because of angle. Declination changes at faster rate through spring and autumn. Circle of illumination passes through both poles at equinox.
