Daylight: Introduction and Details
Introduction
Daylight refers to the natural light provided by the Sun during the daytime. It is a
combination of direct sunlight and diffused skylight that reaches the Earth’s surface.
Daylight is the primary source of illumination for the Earth and has vital effects on life,
health, environment, and human activities.
Composition of Daylight
Daylight consists of different components of electromagnetic radiation:
Visible Light (≈ 43%) → Enables vision, colors, and photosynthesis.
Infrared Radiation (≈ 49%) → Provides heat.
Ultraviolet Radiation (≈ 8%) → Important for Vitamin D synthesis, but excessive
exposure can be harmful.
Factors Affecting Daylight
1. Time of Day – Morning and evening light is reddish due to scattering; midday light is
bright and white.
2. Geographical Location – Equatorial regions get more intense daylight compared to
polar regions.
3. Weather Conditions – Clouds, fog, and pollution reduce the intensity of daylight.
4. Seasonal Variation – Longer days in summer, shorter in winter.
5. Altitude – Higher altitudes receive stronger daylight due to thinner atmosphere.
Importance of Daylight
1. For Humans
Regulates circadian rhythm (biological clock).
Stimulates serotonin and melatonin for mood and sleep.
Provides Vitamin D through UV exposure.
Enhances productivity, concentration, and mental health.
2. For Nature
Essential for photosynthesis in plants, producing oxygen and food.
Influences animal behavior (migration, reproduction).
Controls temperature balance on Earth.
3. In Architecture
Daylight is used in building design (daylighting techniques) to reduce artificial
lighting needs.
Improves indoor environment quality and reduces energy consumption.
Benefits of Daylight
Saves energy by reducing reliance on artificial light.
Boosts health and well-being.
Enhances learning and work performance.
Supports sustainability in urban planning.
Negative Effects of Excess Daylight
Overexposure to UV rays → Sunburn, premature aging, eye damage, skin cancer.
Glare and overheating in buildings.
Conclusion
Daylight is more than just illumination—it is a natural resource essential for life, health,
and environment. Proper use of daylight in daily living, architecture, and urban design can
promote sustainability, energy conservation, and human well-being, while controlled
exposure protects against harmful effects.
