Solar radiations > Ground station Brussels (Uccle/Ukkel)
Ground based measurements
Since 1993 the Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy has developed an automatic station to measure the amount of visible UV radiations.
It combines different experimental techniques:
spectral measurements,
measurements in a short wavelength band and
integrated measurements.
The combination of these different techniques,
illustrated by the photos, allows to determine the "UV-climatology" of the observation place and to study the influence of ozone, aerosols and layers of clouds on the penetration of UV-radiation.
Results
The station in Uccle measures among other things the UV-index and the erythemal dose during noon.
The UV-index is an international scale, which shows the effective intensity of the UV-radiations and the risks involved.
< 2
Low
No protection is required.
You can safely stay outside.
3-5
Medium
Some protection required. Seek shade during midday hours. Wear sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours.
6-7
High
Some protection required. Seek shade during midday hours. Wear sun protective clothing, including a shirt, a hat and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours.
8-10
Very high
Extra protection required. Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure to seek shade. Wear sun protective clothing including a shirt, a hat and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen twenty minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.
> 11
Extreme
Caution required. Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure to seek shade. Wear sun protective clothing including a shirt, a hat and sunglasses. Apply sunblock twenty minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.
The erythemal dose is the harmful dose of UV-radiations causing sunburns.
The following diagrams are the result of processing the data:
