solar constant
noun
the average rate at which radiant energy is received from the sun by the earth, equal to 1.94 small calories per minute per square centimeter of area perpendicular to the sun's rays, measured at a point outside the earth's atmosphere when the earth is at its mean distance from the sun.
Origin of solar constant
First recorded in 1865–70
Words nearby solar constant
solar cell,
solar cells,
solar chariot,
solar cheilitis,
solar collector,
solar constant,
solar cycle,
solar day,
solar eclipse,
solar elastosis,
solar energy
British Dictionary definitions for solar constant
solar constant
noun
the rate at which the sun's energy is received per unit area at the top of the earth's atmosphere when the sun is at its mean distance from the earth and atmospheric absorption has been corrected for. Its value is 1367 watts per square metre
Scientific definitions for solar constant
solar constant
The average amount of solar radiation received by the Earth's atmosphere, per unit area, when the Earth is at its mean distance from the Sun. It is equal to 1370 watts per square meter. Solar radiation varies with the Earth's distance from the Sun and with the appearance or decay of sunspots.