Question about brightness temperatur​e

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In summary, brightness temperature is a measure of the intensity of radiation emitted by a celestial object, typically expressed in units of kelvins. It is measured using specialized instruments and is related to the amount of energy emitted by the object. There is a difference between brightness temperature and actual temperature, with the former being a measure of radiation intensity and the latter being a measure of average kinetic energy of particles. Factors such as size, composition, distance, atmospheric conditions, and instrument sensitivity can affect brightness temperature. Studying brightness temperature can provide valuable information about the physical properties and behavior of celestial objects, as well as insights into the structure and evolution of the universe.
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newsim
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It is possible to convert brightness temperature of Earth surface (K) to the actual temperature?
Is there any formulae for such conversion?
Thanks in advance!
 
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I'm not sure "brightness temperature" has any meaning, but you are basically describing an infrared thermometer.
 
  • #3
Could this be the sort of thing you are after. Any body that is radiating energy due to its temperature alone will have a spectrum as shown in the diagram.
I think this is used by astronomers to find the temperature of distant sources - optical and 'just warm'.
 

What is brightness temperature?

Brightness temperature is a measure of the intensity of radiation emitted by a celestial object, such as a star or planet. It is typically expressed in units of kelvins (K) and is related to the amount of energy emitted by the object.

How is brightness temperature measured?

Brightness temperature is measured using specialized instruments, such as telescopes and radiometers, which detect and measure the electromagnetic radiation emitted by an object. The detected radiation is then converted to a temperature value using mathematical equations and calibrations.

What is the difference between brightness temperature and actual temperature?

Brightness temperature is a measure of the radiation intensity emitted by an object, whereas actual temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles within the object. In some cases, the two may be closely related, but in others, such as with stars and planets, there can be a significant difference between the two values.

What factors can affect brightness temperature?

The brightness temperature of an object can be affected by a variety of factors, including the object's size, composition, and distance from Earth. Other factors, such as atmospheric conditions and the sensitivity of the measuring instrument, can also have an impact on the measured brightness temperature.

What is the importance of studying brightness temperature?

Studying brightness temperature can provide valuable information about the physical properties and behavior of celestial objects. It can also help scientists better understand the processes that occur within these objects, such as nuclear fusion in stars, and provide insights into the overall structure and evolution of the universe.

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