Re: What are the differences between solar radiation and terrestial radiation

Solar radiation has all wavelengths - from X-rays to the longest radio 
waves. Terrestrial radiation likewise. But the proportions of how much 
radiation you get at different wavelengths depends on the physics of the 
Sun and the Earth.

If you are thinking of 'terrestrial radiation' as that voodoo stuff where 
your bed must be lined up with the Sun and the Moon, I cannot help you as 
that is probably complete nonsense!

Trusting that you by 'terrestrial radiation' intend the sort that physics 
deals with I CAN help you!

The Sun radiates a lot of its energy in the part of the spectrum we can see 
- light. This is because of the temperature of the Sun (more than 5000 
degrees Kelvin) near the surface where the light actually escapes from the 
Sun into space - the photosphere.

The Earth is much less hot and mainly radiates in the long wavelengths 
known as infrared. These can be picked up by satellite equipment and this 
can be done day or night and conveniently allows for observations of clouds 
etc through the 24-hour day from space.

In climate research the balance of the incoming light from the Sun and the 
outgoing infrared radiation from the warmed-up Earth is of central 
importance for climate modelling and predictions of future climate change. 
While the Sun may radiate naerly as a constant lamp, the Earth does not - 
its emission of IR radiation depends on how many clouds there are and how 
much water and carbon dioxide there is in the air.