We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Thermal Imaging?

Michael Anissimov
By
Updated: Feb 27, 2024
Views: 19,988
Share

Thermal imaging, also called thermography or thermal video, is the means by which humans may see in the infrared portion of the spectrum. Since every object gives off some amount of thermal radiation, thermal imaging is ideal for observing a scene in conditions of extreme darkness or when obscured by smoke, fog, rain, or snow. Some types of night vision use thermal imaging, and thermal imaging is considered the best form of night vision, as it can reveal objects in the blackest of nights. Thermal imaging is used widely in security, the military, navigation, surveillance, firefighting, industry, medicine, and science.

The main tool for thermal imaging is the thermographic camera, which is similar in appearance and operation to a conventional camcorder. Thermal cameras pick up electromagnetic waves with a wavelength between roughly 0.9 and 14 micrometers. In contrast, electromagnetic waves in the visible portion of the spectrum have a wavelength between about 380 to 750 nanometers, significantly shorter than infrared. Though humans are not biologically capable of seeing infrared light unaided, some animals can, notably rattlesnakes and other pit vipers, which have a well-developed pair of organs for the task. Using these organs, rattlesnakes can accurately strike at an object, with their sight and smell cut off, just 0.2 degrees C higher in temperature than its background.

To make thermal imaging easier for humans to interpret, thermal cameras often use false color in their displays, ranging from white for the hottest areas to purple and black for the coldest. The hotter an object is, the more thermal waves it emits. Some of the hottest known objects are stars, and astronomers can infer an enormous amount of information about a star with little else than the electromagnetic energy it emits and its mass. Scientists also use thermal imaging to study how animals emit heat. For instance, polar bears are practically invisible in infrared photography, excepting only their nose, as their bodies have adapted to retain heat in the extreme cold.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Michael Anissimov
By Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov is a dedicated WiseGeek contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism to his articles. An avid blogger, Michael is deeply passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. His professional experience includes work with the Methuselah Foundation, Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and Lifeboat Foundation, further showcasing his commitment to scientific advancement.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov is a dedicated WiseGeek contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics, biology,...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-thermal-imaging.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.