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Solar Irradiance

All articles tagged with #solar irradiance

nature2 years ago

"Venus-like Destination: The Sunniest Place on Earth"

The Altiplano of the Atacama Desert in South America has been identified as the sunniest place on Earth, with sunlight intensity comparable to that of Venus. Satellite data and an atmospheric observatory confirmed the record-breaking solar irradiance, reaching 2,177 watts per square meter during a burst of summer sun in January 2017. The year-round average was 308 watts per square meter, the highest worldwide. The intense sunlight is partially due to reflection from high-altitude broken clouds. The researchers suggest that the Chajnantor Plateau in the Atacama Desert could be an ideal location for testing future photovoltaic power plants.

via IFLScience|
#altiplano#atacama-desert#nature
science2 years ago

Chile's Atacama Desert: Earth's Venus-like Sunspot

Chile's Atacama Desert, located in the Altiplano region, has been identified as the sunniest spot on Earth, receiving as much sunlight as Venus. The desert's high elevation and geographic location in the Southern Hemisphere contribute to its record-breaking solar irradiance, measured at 2,177 watts per square meter. This level of exposure poses risks to human health, emphasizing the need for sun protection. The study helps explain why the Atacama Desert receives such high levels of radiation and confirms its status as the sunniest place on Earth.

via Livescience.com|
#atacama-desert#chile#climate
science-and-environment2 years ago

"Discovering Earth's Hottest Spot: A Venusian Experience"

Scientists have identified the Altiplano plateau in the Atacama Desert, near the western coast of South America, as the sunniest spot on Earth, receiving more sunlight than any other location. A recent study recorded a world record of solar irradiance on the plateau, which is higher than the radiation at the top of Earth's atmosphere. The extreme radiation can be attributed to thin, high-altitude clouds that focus the sun's rays on the surface through forward scattering. These clouds, originating from the Amazon, enhance solar radiation by up to 80 percent compared to cloudless conditions. The Altiplano's solar energy potential is roughly twice as high as in Central Europe and the U.S. East Coast.

via The Washington Post|
#altiplano#atacama-desert#clouds