Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment The Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) is a NASA-sponsored satellite mission that measures incoming X-ray, ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and total solar radiation. These measurements specifically address long-term climate change, natural variability and enhanced climate prediction, and atmospheric ozone and UV-B radiation. These measurements are critical to studies of the Sun, its effect on our Earth system and its influence on humankind. The SORCE spacecraft launched on January 25, 2003 on a Pegasus XL launch vehicle to provide NASA's Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) with precise measurements of solar radiation. SORCE measures the Sun's output using
Ultraviolet index numerical ranges, the recommendations for protection are as follows: When interpreting the UV Index and recommendations, be aware that: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a helpful method to estimate the amount of UV radiation people are exposed to is by observing the length of their shadow. A taller shadow may mean a lower UV exposure while a shorter one could translate to exposure to higher levels of UV radiation. Ultraviolet index The ultraviolet index or UV Index is an international standard measurement of the strength of sunburn-producing ultraviolet (UV) radiation at a particular place and time. The scale