BLACK LIGHT

Waves of associated electric and magnetic fields characterized by variations of the fields. The electric and magnetic fields are at right angles to each other and to the direction of propagation. The waves are propagated at the speed of light and are known as radio (Hertzian) waves, infrared rays, light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, etc., depending on their frequencies.

1. The apparent displacement of a celestial body in the direction of motion of the earth in its orbit caused by the motion of the earth combined with the finite velocity of light. When, in addition to the combined effect of the velocity of light and the motion of the earth, account is taken of the motion of the celestial body in space during the interval that the light is traveling to the earth from the luminous body, as in the case of planets, the phenomenon is termed planetary aberration. The aberration due to the rotation of the earth on its axis is termed diurnal aberration or daily aberration. The aberration due to the revolution of the earth about the sun is termed annual aberration. The aberration due to the motion of the center of mass of the solar system in space is termed secular aberration but is not taken into account in practical astronomy.
2. The convergence to different foci, by a lens or mirror, of parallel rays of light. In a single lens having spherical surfaces, aberration may be caused by differences in the focal lengths of the various parts of the lens: rays passing through the outer part of the lens come to a focus nearer the lens than do rays passing through its central part. This is termed spherical aberration and, being due to the faulty figure of the lens, is eliminated by correcting that figure. A lens so corrected is called an aplanatic lens. Aberration may also result from differences in the wavelengths of light of different colors: light of the shorter wavelengths (violet end of the spectrum) comes to a focus nearer the lens than light of the longer wavelengths (red end of the spectrum). This is termed chromatic aberration, and is practically eliminated over a moderate range of wavelengths by using a composite lens, called an achromatic lens, composed of parts having different dispersive powers.

Popular term for regions of high energy charged particles trapped in the earth’s magnetic field. Definition of size and shape of these belts depends on selection of an arbitrary standard of radiation intensity and the predominant particle component. Belts known to exist are: a proton region centered at about 2,000 miles altitude at the geomagnetic equator; an electron region centered at about 12,000 miles altitude at the geomagnetic equator; overlapping electron and proton regions centered at about 20,000 miles altitude at the geomagnetic equator. Trapped radiation regions from artificial sources also exist. These belts were first reported by Dr. James A. Van Allen of Iowa State University.

A light of high intensity and reliability exhibited from a fixed structure or on marine site (except range lights). Major lights include primary seacoast lights and secondary lights.

A sudden outburst of ultraviolet light on the sun, known as a SOLAR FLARE or CHROMOSPHERIC ERUP- TION, which produces abnormally high ionization in the region of the D-layer. The result is a sudden increase in radio wave absorption, with particular severity in the upper mediu

A range oriented in a given magnetic direction and used to assist in the determination of the deviation of a magnetic compass.

A type of magnetometer that measures total magnetic field intensity by observation of the precession frequency of magnetic atoms, usually gaseous rubidium, cesium, or helium, which are magnetized by irradiation with circularly polarized light of a suitable wavelength.

A material which produces retro-reflection over a wide range of angles of incidence of a light beam, by use of a large number of very small reflecting and refracting elements, usually very small beads.

The closer of two range lights. It is the lowest of the lights of an established range. Also called LOW LIGHT

The electronic technology involved with the practical generation, manipulation, analysis, transmission, and reception of electromagnetic energy in the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet portions of the light spectrum. It contributes to many fields, including astronomy, biomedicine, data communications and storage, fiber optics, imaging, optical computing, optoelectronics, sensing, and telecommunications. Also known as optoelectronics.