radiometers

A radiometer is a scientific instrument that measures the intensity of radiation, typically light or heat. It usually consists of a set of vanes mounted on a spindle, which rotate when exposed to a light source. This rotation occurs because the vanes absorb and reflect light unevenly, leading to differences in temperature. The motion of the vanes can be used to gauge the intensity of the radiation. Radiometers are used in various fields, including meteorology, astronomy, and environmental science, to study energy from the sun and other sources, helping us understand energy transfer in the atmosphere and beyond.