Sunlight

Sunlight is electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun that reaches Earth, spanning ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths. Its energy drives warming, weather, and photosynthesis.

Solar radiation: Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun across a broad range of wavelengths. Sunlight is the portion of solar radiation that reaches Earth.
Photosynthesis: The process by which organisms convert light energy into chemical energy. Plants and other photosynthetic organisms capture sunlight to build energy-rich molecules.
Earth's energy budget: The balance between energy Earth receives from the Sun and energy it returns to space. Absorbed sunlight is the main energy input in this planetary balance.
Moonlight: Sunlight reflected from the Moon’s surface toward Earth. Unlike direct sunlight, moonlight is reflected and far dimmer.
Solar spectrum: The distribution of the Sun’s electromagnetic energy across wavelengths. Its wavelength bands distinguish ultraviolet, visible, and infrared sunlight.
Solar thermal energy: The use of sunlight to generate heat for practical purposes. Collectors can concentrate or absorb sunlight to heat water and buildings.
Seasons: Recurring yearly changes in climate and daylight caused mainly by Earth’s axial tilt. The tilt changes the angle and duration of sunlight across the year.
Artificial light: Visible or ultraviolet radiation produced by human-made sources. Lamps can provide illumination when sunlight is absent but have different spectra and timing.
Atmospheric absorption: The removal of radiation from a beam as gases or particles absorb its energy. Ozone, water vapor, and other gases filter parts of sunlight before it reaches the surface.
Photovoltaics: The conversion of light into electrical energy using semiconductor materials. Photovoltaic cells turn sunlight directly into electricity.

Linked from 4 pages