Blackbody radiation is a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from objects with a temperature above 0K or absolute zero. The wavelengths of the radiation spectrum are determined by the temperature. For example, the body temperature of humans releases radiation in the infrared while the much hotter temperature of the sun releases radiation in visible light range. Even the cold temperature of space releases a small amount of blackbody radiation in the form of microwaves. Carictaristics such as the color and texture of the surface can affect the amount of black body radiation. A rough black surface will emit a lot of radiation compared to a smooth white surface at the same temperature.

Blackbody radiation connects to my research as the infrared radiation that is measured by the PREFIRE satellites is the result of blackbody radiation from the Earth. The wavelengths and intensity measured of the blackbody radiation can provide information about the surface temperature and to an extent the conditions on the ground. This radiation is the main source of removing energy from the poles and helps regulate its temperature so understanding changes in the blackbody radiation is important in understanding the climate at the poles.