Thermal Radiation
Thermal radiation is one of three mechanisms which enables bodies with varying temperatures to exchange energy. Thermal radiation is characterized by the emission of electromagnetic waves from the material (variation of its internal energy).
Thermal radiation is electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by a body as a result of its temperature. All objects with a temperature above absolute zero emit thermal radiation in a spectrum of wavelengths.
Thermal radiation is emitted by all matter with temperatures above the absolute zero and is transferred in the form of electromagnetic waves. The thermal radiation of an object is dependent on its emissivity.
Thermal radiation does not require a material medium for its propagation. Although in the context of spacecraft thermal design the interest of radiation is mainly focused on solid surfaces, emission may also occur from liquids and gases. The mechanism of radiation emission is related to energy released as a result of oscillations or transitions of the electrons that constitute matter. These oscillations are sustained by internal energy, and therefore, the temperature of the matter.
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