Essentially all the energy on Earth arrives as light from the sun. The greenhouse effect that keeps our planet warm is really the "natural greenhouse effect." As the sun's energy reaches Earth's surface, some of it is partly reflected and partly absorbed. The absorbed energy warms the Earth, which in turn radiates heat back towards space as infrared energy. Often times this causes varying amounts of water to be suspended in the air.

The MicroLog™ has two built-in internal sensors (percent humidity and air temperature). By using these internal sensors, we can relate changes in sunlight to the air temperature being trapped in container. It is so easy to use! Let's find out.

• What causes the greenhouse effect?

• How do different types of reflective surfaces affect the greenhouse effect?

• Do different planets have varying amounts of greenhouse gases in their atmospheres and how does this affect their surface temperatures?

• What other factors affect the greenhouse effect?

Thinking about the questions: Reviewing the Concepts

Water vapor, carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere absorb some of the outgoing infrared energy, which heats them. These molecules then radiate the energy in all directions, including back to Earth. In effect, some of the energy remains trapped in the atmosphere, warming the planet. Venus has more greenhouse gases in its atmosphere. This severely alters the temperature on its surface.

Have you ever sat inside a closed car during the winter? How does this differ from the same car with all of its windows closed during the summer? List your thoughts on the Probe Discussion Board.

By measuring the percent humidity and air temperature in a container with different amounts of cover you can start to understand the greenhouse effect on different planets.

It's time to get started using your data logger...