| Your Thermonuclear Source of Solar Energy |
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| Environment - Environment |
| Written by Walter Hull |
| Tuesday, 23 June 2009 08:29 |
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The Sun is like a giant power station, making solar energy for us each and every day. Without this daily dose of solar power, Earth would not be even close to the same. Literally the difference would be like night and day.
The Sun is like a giant power station, making solar energy for us each and every day. Without this daily dose of solar power, Earth would not be even close to the same. Literally the difference would be like night and day. Electromagnetic radiation is the technical term for solar energy. This radiation is emitted by the sun and is absorbed into Earths biosphere in many ways. Because of its widespread importance to the biosphere, solar energy plays a crucial role to our existence. Electromagnetic (EM) radiation comes in many different wavelengths. We describe EM radiation based on its wavelength with Gamma rays being the shortest, and Radio waves the longest. Earths solar energy falls in the middle, composed of infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light waves. This is a good thing because all wavelengths between Gamma rays and Ultraviolet rays are harmful to humans and most other things on Earth. The Sun emits solar energy in the range of infrared, visible light, and ultra-violet wave lengths. Thank goodness for this, because if the Sun emitted solar energy as X-rays or Gamma rays, we would all be toast. Once these waves arrive to Earth, many biological and thermodynamic reactions take place. The plants and trees absorb solar energy, and in combination with carbon dioxide and water they create their energy for growth. This is called Photosynthesis. Solar energy is the catalyst for almost everything that occurs on Earth. It is as though the Earth has its own power plant, a giant Nuclear Fusion Reactor in outer space. It is a good thing too, because without it we would all be screwed. Imagine if the Sun suddenly burned out, which scientists predict will happen someday. It is a reminder of the delicate balance to our existence, that Mother Nature will always hold the trump card to human prosperity. We should offer thanks for each and every day that we are blessed with the Sun. If theres one thing that is decidedly for sure, then, is that humans need solar energy. When you think about it, really, our entire plant (including us) is solar energy, taking it in and transforming it into other forms. With the recent advances in materials and industry, we now find ourselves with some new inventions for working with solar energy. It is now possible to make electricity directly from sunlight in a photovoltaic device. We can harness solar energy in absorption and concentrating collectors and store the heat. We are entering a new age of energy generation for fulfilling our daily needs. We believe modern civilization has only just begun with these new age energies. Reaping the benefits of solar power and solar heat is in its infancy. How practical is current technology for providing power to our homes? How much money will it cost, and how much will we save in the long run? What kind of new solar energy technologies are in development? We started out asking these same questions ourselves, and we are here as professionals from the Energy industry to present a few honest answers straight from the energy specialists. About the Author: To learn how to use solar energy as a nearly free source of power for your home get Walter Hull's checklist on easy solar power from your yard. |