Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
09:18
Laser-heating and Radiance Spectrometry for the Study of Nuclear Materials in Conditions Simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Published on: December 14, 2017
Radiometric calibrations for the Earth radiation budget experiment
Applied Optics
|February 4, 2010
Summary
The Earth Radiation Budget (ERB) experiment on NIMBUS F will measure solar, reflected, and emitted radiation. This paper details calibration techniques and presents preliminary results for this high-accuracy satellite mission.
Area of Science:
- Earth Science
- Atmospheric Science
- Satellite Remote Sensing
Background:
- The Earth Radiation Budget (ERB) experiment is a key component of the NIMBUS F satellite mission, scheduled for launch in mid-1974.
- Understanding the Earth's radiation balance is crucial for climate modeling and weather prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the calibration techniques and standards used for the ERB experiment.
- To discuss challenges in achieving high accuracy for a complex satellite experiment.
- To present preliminary calibration results.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing specialized channels to measure incoming solar radiation.
- Employing sensors to quantify Earth-reflected radiation (albedo).
- Measuring Earth-emitted long-wave radiation using dedicated instruments.
Main Results:
- Preliminary calibration results indicate the feasibility of high-accuracy measurements.
- Identified specific challenges and solutions for calibrating satellite-based radiation sensors.
- Demonstrated the application of rigorous calibration standards for space-based experiments.
Conclusions:
- The ERB experiment is well-calibrated and poised to provide valuable data.
- The methodologies discussed are critical for future high-accuracy Earth observation missions.
- Successful calibration is essential for reliable climate and atmospheric research.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:17Radiation: Applications
The average temperature of Earth is the subject of much current discussion. Earth is in radiative contact with both the Sun and dark space; it receives almost all its energy from the radiation of the Sun and reflects some of it into outer space. Dark space is very cold, about 3 K, so Earth radiates energy into it. For instance, heat transfer occurs from soil and grasses, the rate of which can be so rapid that frost can occur on clear summer evenings, even in warm latitudes.
The average...
The average...
02:48Radioactive Decay and Radiometric Dating
Radioactivity is a spontaneous disintegration of an unstable nuclide and is a random process, as all the nuclei in the sample do not decay simultaneously. The number of disintegrations per unit time is called the activity (A), which is directly proportional to the number of nuclei in the sample. The decay constant (λ) is an average probability of decay per nucleus in unit time.
02:41Constant Volume Calorimetry
Calorimeters are useful to determine the heat released or absorbed by a chemical reaction. Coffee cup calorimeters are designed to operate at constant (atmospheric) pressure and are convenient to measure heat flow (or enthalpy change) accompanying processes that occur in solution at constant pressure. A different type of calorimeter that operates at constant volume, colloquially known as a bomb calorimeter, is used to measure the energy produced by reactions that yield large amounts of heat and...
01:05Absorption of Radiation
The rate of heat transfer by emitted radiation is described by the Stefan-Boltzmann law of radiation:
01:12Instrument Calibration
Instrument calibration is essential for ensuring that instruments produce accurate and consistent results. It is vital in manufacturing, healthcare, testing laboratories, and scientific research. Calibration processes are specific to each instrument and help enhance data accuracy. Each instrument has a unique calibration process tailored to its design and function to improve data accuracy.
Analytical Balance Calibration
An analytical balance measures mass and requires regular calibration to...
Analytical Balance Calibration
An analytical balance measures mass and requires regular calibration to...
01:19Calorimetry
When objects at different temperatures are placed in contact with each other but isolated from everything else, they attain thermal equilibrium. A container that prevents heat transfer in or out is called a calorimeter, and the use of a calorimeter to make measurements is called calorimetry. Generally, these measurements involve heat or specific heat capacity. The term "calorimetry problem" is used for any problem where the specified objects are thermally isolated from their surroundings. An...