ITU-R REPORT RA.2163 PDF

Introduction

The infrared and near-infrared Parts of the electromagnetic Spectrum are of large and growing interest for astronomical research. Thermal emission from dust at temperatures of a few Kelvins to hundreds of Kelvins, which is the case for most dust clouds and larger rocky bodies, is strong in these bands, which makes them ideal for studies of star and planet formation and interstellar dust clouds. Molecules important in the chemical processes taking place in these clouds produce many spectral lines in the infrared and near-infrared wavelength range.

Consequently this Part of the Spectrum has become of high astronomical interest and has led to the implementation of large ground-based facilities for observing in those frequency bands to which the troposphere is adequately transparent, and airborne and spaceborne facilities for observations at other frequencies.

This Report is intended to provide background information relevant to the task of making bands in this part of the electromagnetic spectrum accessible to future active services while ensuring that astronomical observations are adequately protected.