The solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is composed of different wavelengths of light. These wavelengths range from short-wave ultraviolet (UV) radiation to long-wave infrared (IR) radiation. Visible light lies between UV and IR radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum and is the only type of light that can be seen by the human eye. The atmosphere absorbs most of the UV radiation and a significant portion of the IR radiation, but visible light is able to pass through and reach the Earth's surface.