The Light Spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum shows the distribution of electromagnetic radiation according to wave length. These waves are created by charged particles travelling in waves. The spectrum ranges from radio waves at the longest frequency to gamma rays at the shortest frequency. The size of these waves range from the theoretical size of the universe to the size of subatomic particles. Visible radiation is roughly in the middle of the spectrum, between infrared and ultraviolet. These waves travel though the vacuum space at a constant speed of light. Radiation all across the spectrum is emitted by various objects in space, such as stars, nebulas and black holes. Viewing the universe in different wave lengths reveals hidden information that would not have been visible in the visible spectrum. The most dangerous type of wave is the gamma ray, which destroys cells. Mid range UV radiation also causes DNA to mutate.
Radiation Emitted by the sun
Radiation across the entire spectrum is emitted by the sun. However, all wavelengths except for infrared, visible and ultraviolet waves are filtered out by the atmosphere of the Earth, and little ultraviolet waves reach the earth. Sunburn and skin cancer are caused by ultraviolet waves, infrared waves are responsible for the heat of the sun, and the visible waves provide light. Radio waves, x rays, microwaves and gamma rays are all emitted by the sun, but they are all filtered out by the earth's atmosphere. This is lucky, because otherwise the gamma rays would have a large negative effect on humans on the earth, due to its cell killing properties.
Radiation Emitted by the sun
Radiation across the entire spectrum is emitted by the sun. However, all wavelengths except for infrared, visible and ultraviolet waves are filtered out by the atmosphere of the Earth, and little ultraviolet waves reach the earth. Sunburn and skin cancer are caused by ultraviolet waves, infrared waves are responsible for the heat of the sun, and the visible waves provide light. Radio waves, x rays, microwaves and gamma rays are all emitted by the sun, but they are all filtered out by the earth's atmosphere. This is lucky, because otherwise the gamma rays would have a large negative effect on humans on the earth, due to its cell killing properties.