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**Selective atmospheric absorbers** — different molecules absorb different wavelengths: - **Ozone (O₃)** — absorbs harmful **ultraviolet** (protects the biosphere). - **Carbon dioxide (CO₂)** — absorbs in the **far infrared** (thermal band, hence its role in the greenhouse effect). - **Water vapor (H₂O)** — absorbs in the **longwave infrared** and **shortwave microwave**. - **Consequence:** we can't image at every wavelength — see slide 15 for the "windows" that *do* transmit well.

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