infrared radiation: Quick Facts

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Nov. 6, 2026

News •

Infrared was relatively new when this N.L. church was built. Now, it heats it • Oct. 30, 2026, 4:30 AM ET (CBC)

Facts

Also Known As	infrared wave

Photos and Videos

Figure 1: The electromagnetic spectrum.

Diagram illustrating the greenhouse effect, showing sunlight reaching Earth, some visible light absorbed by the surface, some reflected, and infrared radiation absorbed and reradiated by the atmosphere.

Diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum with labeled sections for radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, each paired with an example use and corresponding image.

Understand how the electromagnetic spectrum helps study the celestial bodies

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Topics

Infrared astronomy infrared photography infrared spectroscopy electromagnetic radiation light X-ray gamma ray ultraviolet radiation Solar radiation radio wave microwave spectroscopy luminescence photoelectric effect

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