1 -- INTRODUCTION

1.1 Chapter Objectives

2 -- WHAT LIGHT IS

2.1 Key Points About Electromagnetic Radiation

2.2 Electromagnetic Radiation -- The Basics

2.3 The Electromagnetic Spectrum

      2.3.1 Gamma rays

      2.3.2 X-rays

      2.3.3 Ultraviolet radiation

      2.3.4 Visible light

      2.3.5 Infrared radiation

      2.3.6 Radio waves

3 -- THE NATURE OF LIGHT RADIATED BY OUR SUN

3.1 Broad Features of the Solar Spectrum

3.2 Fine Features of the Solar Spectrum

3.3 Key Points About the Solar Spectrum

3.4 Variations in Solar Radiation

3.5 Variations in the Earth-Sun Distance

4 -- THE SOLAR CYCLE

4.1 Radio Measurements of Solar Activity

4.2 The Solar Cycle At Other Wavelengths

5 -- HOW LIGHT MOVES THROUGH THE ATMOSPHERE

5.1 Radiative Transfer

      5.1.1 Radiative transfer model

5.2 Radiation Scattering

      5.2.1 Rayleigh scattering

6 -- HOW OBJECTS EMIT RADIATION: BLACKBODIES

6.1 Examples of Blackbody Radiators

      6.1.1 The Sun and other stars

      6.1.2 Incandescent light bulbs, electric heaters, and stoves

      6.1.3 Candle flames and other flames

      6.1.4 Warm blooded animals

      6.1.5 The cooling of Earth at night

6.2 The Spectrum of Blackbody Radiation

6.3 Blackbody Emissions and Temperature

6.4 Absorptivity and Emissivity

6.5 Key Points About Radiant Energy and Blackbody Radiation

REVIEW QUESTIONS