Radiometry is a set of techniques for measuring electromagnetic radiation, including visible light. Radiometric techniques in optics characterize the distribution of the radiation's power in space, as opposed to photometric techniques, which characterize the light's interaction with the human eye.
In the aerospace context, radiometry refers to the measurement of electromagnetic radiation in the form of light or heat. Radiometry is used to measure the intensity and spectral characteristics of radiation emitted, reflected or transmitted by objects or materials in the aerospace field.
Examples of radiometry in the aerospace field include:
- Measuring the temperature of spacecraft and aircraft components using infrared radiometers.
- Measuring the reflected sunlight from the Earth's surface using radiometers on board of Earth Observation satellites.
- Measuring the amount of light emitted by stars and galaxies using radiometers on board of astronomical observatories.
- Measuring the amount of radiation emitted by the Sun with radiometers on board of solar observatories.
Radiometry plays an important role in aerospace by providing crucial information on the temperature and heat distribution of spacecraft and aircraft, as well as on the characteristics of the Earth's surface, the atmosphere and the outer space. The data obtained from radiometry can be used for a wide range of scientific and operational applications such as climate monitoring, land and resources management, and space weather forecasting.