The discussion centers on the relationship between emissivity and albedo, particularly in the context of thermal radiation and opaque objects. Participants explore definitions and potential connections between these two properties.
While there is some agreement on the relationship between emissivity and albedo, participants express differing views on the implications and definitions, indicating that the discussion remains somewhat unresolved.
Participants mention potential spectral weighting in the definition of albedo and the need for clarity on the distinctions between emissivity, reflectivity, and absorption, which may affect the discussion.
Andy Resnick said:Albedo is a reflection, so emissivity + albedo = 1, for opaque objects. There's probably some spectral weighting involved in the definition of albedo.