Night illumination in the visible, NIR, and SWIR spectral bands

Abstract

This paper describes a spectral night illumination model. The model provides spectral irradiance on a horizontal surface for wavelengths between 0.4 and 2.0 microns. These wavelengths encompass the visible, near infrared, and short wave infrared spectral bands. The primary significance of this model is that consistent estimates of spectral irradiance are now provided for the visible through SWIR spectral bands. The primary sources of night illumination are described. The paper also describes how the new model was derived from spectroscopic data gathered by astronomers. Model predictions are compared to standard references commonly used to predict night illuminations.