Earth Day 2020: Preserve and Protect with FLIR

In honor of Earth Day, here is a look at how thermal imaging technology is transforming the way people see and study the world we live in and the valuable lessons to learn. It is hard to imagine the start of the modern environmental movement took place 50 years ago today—April 22. In celebration of Earth Day, we would like to share some of the innovative and exciting ways our customers are using FLIR thermal imaging technology to make an impact on preserving and protecting the fauna and flora among us. Bold Butterfly Discoveries Colorful butterflies are captivating creatures, and a recent study featuring FLIR cameras revealed even more fascinating findings regarding their wings, temperature, and their ability to take flight. Published in Nature magazine, the research conducted by Columbia Engineering and Harvard University highlights the importance of temperature regulation in adult Lepidoptera, and how physical and behavioral adaptations help to prevent their wings from overheating. Using the FLIR SC660 science camera, the team, including Nanfang Yu, associate professor of applied physics at Columbia, examined the thermodynamic properties of the complex living structures in butterfly wings, as well as behavioral responses to heat triggers. Additionally, the technology allows for noninvasive research to measure the temperature difference between the wing veins, membra, and scent pads. As to the purpose of the study, Yu says, “We wanted to find out how small animals were hardwired to survive extreme heat.” He also shares that the thermal imaging butterfly study may also serve as inspiration for other applications, such as the design of heat-resistant nanostructures and heat-sensing aircraft. A Better Way for Detecting Oil Spills Oil mixing with water is never a good combination, especially if it involves an oil spill somewhere in the middle of the ocean. When looking at such a mess, the process can be extremely difficult given the murkiness and darkness of the water in the visible light waveband (VIS). On the other hand, the reflection of the sun, horizon, or sky in the water can be glaringly bright. These unfavorable conditions make spotting the thin film of crude oil or diesel with the unaided eye or a color video camera nearly impossible. Enter FLIR longwave thermal imaging, a powerful tool in addressing the varying visible light levels, solar interference, and the lack of contrast on the water. Experiments conducted by FLIR personnel at the Oil and Hazards Materials Simulated Environmental Test (Ohmsett) facility off the coast of New Jersey further support these claims and confirm that longwave thermal cameras capture petrochemical spills on seawater better than both visible light imaging and mid-wave thermal imaging, which is rather promising in helping to protect waterways in the event of future accidents. The Thermal Life of Bees