Atmospheric Absorption of Starlight

AI Thread Summary
Atmospheric absorption of starlight varies significantly with frequency and altitude, with less absorption occurring at higher elevations like the top of Mount Everest compared to sea level. There are no simple tables available that quantify total bolometric absorption at zenith versus sea level due to the complexity of influencing factors. Key variables include local humidity, particle concentration, and temperature, which all affect absorption rates. Zenith refers to the angle directly overhead, while sea level indicates altitude, highlighting their differences in context. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for accurate measurements of starlight absorption.
sderamus
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I realize that Starlight atmospheric absorption depends on frequency, but I was wondering if there are any tables indicated total bolometric absorption at Zenith relative to absorption at Sea Level. Obviously atmospheric absorption is much less on the top of Everest than in my hometown (a few hundred feet above sea level). But I'd like to know the difference.

TIA

sderamus
 
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The absorption depends on so many factors that there isn't (to my knowledge) any simple tables.

By the way Zenith refers to an angle in the sky (essentially straight up) while sea level refers to altitude on the Earth, so they are very different things! Absorption will depend on both of these factors as well as other conditions such as the local humidity, particle concentration and even temperature.
 

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