Light, Dark, and the Electromagnetic Spectrum by Scott Benjamin Gracie

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Since the dawn of time, electromagnetic energy has permeated through the universe, surrounding and interacting with everything it touches, illuminating, destroying and giving life.

The colourful section of the electromagnetic spectrum we see in the form of visible light, rainbows and other phenomena is tiny when compared to its vast entirety. Using many parts of the electromagnetic spectrum have become common everyday occurrence for the majority of people on Earth, as it's been integrated into our lives in ways that we don't even think twice about it.

This book illuminates many parts of the electromagnetic spectrum and its effects, the endless ways we have harnessed its energy, and how we interact and live with its influence.

Read an Exclusive Excerpt

Biological Reactions to Sunlight Animal Life and the Sun

The Sun powers all life on Earth. Without light and heat from the Sun, all life on Earth would cease to exist.

Either directly or indirectly, animals including humans need sunlight to survive. Not only does the Sun keep the Earth warm enough to live comfortably, but sunlight also creates reactions within organisms.

The plants that some animals eat are filled with vitamin D, so not only do animals produce this nutrient from the Sun itself, but they also absorb it from in the plants and even other animals they eat. Not enough vitamin D can result in weak bones as well as other complications.

Cold-blooded animals need the Sun’s radiation to keep warm – they lay out in the Sun, soaking it up and recharging their bodies – while warm-blooded animals do not need as much.

Nocturnal animals also need the Sun’s energy but cannot get it directly from the Sun. Instead, they prey on animals that have received energy from the Sun. Even organisms that live on the ocean floor in the dark indirectly get the energy of sunlight from organic matter that falls from the surface.

The strength of the Sun also triggers some bird migrations and physical seasonal changes with plants.

Beneficial UV Effects

Some UV light is beneficial in small doses. When directed onto skin, the UVB part of the electromagnetic spectrum produces vitamin D, which is essential to life. Vitamin D promotes the creation of serotonin and is directly in proportion to the amount of sunlight the skin receives. (Reichrath 2015.)

The image below shows a simplified process of the vitamin D journey in the human body. The image to the right shows light’s interaction within a plant cell.

About the Author:

Scott's passion for light and the electromagnetic spectrum began in his early teens while tinkering with electronics as a hobby. He was formally introduced to the lighting industry while studying Electrical and Electronics in Sydney, Australia, and in 1998 he started his career making custom light fittings and lamps in his dad's garage. Formal lighting design qualifications expanded his opportunity to help project-manage and design on many industry levels.

Twenty-two years on, and Scott has worked on many major infrastructure, commercial and architectural lighting projects. He is a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia & New Zealand, the Colour Society of Australia, the International Dark Sky Association and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

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