Date: Thu, 23 Oct 1997 12:45:33 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <199710231745.MAA06723@locke.ccil.org> Reply-To: Karl Andrews Sender: Lojban list From: Karl Andrews Organization: Intel Corporation Subject: Re: stero X-To: Lojban list To: John Cowan X-Mozilla-Status: 0011 Content-Length: 679 X-From-Space-Date: Thu Oct 23 12:45:36 1997 X-From-Space-Address: LOJBAN@CUVMB.CC.COLUMBIA.EDU A steradian is a measure of a 'solid angle'. An area of the surface of a sphere equal to the square of the radius subtends an angle of one steradian. Frequently used in talking about electromagnetic radiation, as in antenna theory, particle physics, and optics. Intensity of a radiation source is often expressed as Watts/steradian. A candle or light bulb radiates through an angle of slightly less than 4 pi steradians, because the wick, base, or support obstructs a small portion. A star radiates through a full 4 pi steradians. Hope that was illuminating... - Karl -- The avalanche has already started. It is too late for the pebbles to vote. - Kosh Naranek, Babylon 5