I just read another post in which the topic was lighting, and over the course of time here I've noticed most everyone using a phrase similar to this: "My PAR is outstanding" and when I read this, I must say I'm scratching my head a bit... First, what is PAR? It stands for "parabolic aluminized reflector". Is everyone saying they have great lamp size in diameter?!?!?
I'm rather certain the proper unit of measurement is that of "Foot candles" or luminous flux per unit area. It can be defined as the illuminance on a one-square foot surface of which there is a uniformly distributed flux of one lumen.
Since light intensity is the primary factor in the photosynthesiss of plants, horticulturalists often measure and discuss optimum intensity for various plants in foot-candles. Full, unobstructed sunlight has an intensity of approximately 10,000 fc. An overcast day will produce an intensity of around 1,000 fc. The intensity of light near a window can range from 100 to 5,000 fc, depending on the orientation of the window, time of year and latitude. So, wouldn't this type of measurement be an important variable to hobbiests such as ourselves?
I'm rather certain the proper unit of measurement is that of "Foot candles" or luminous flux per unit area. It can be defined as the illuminance on a one-square foot surface of which there is a uniformly distributed flux of one lumen.
Since light intensity is the primary factor in the photosynthesiss of plants, horticulturalists often measure and discuss optimum intensity for various plants in foot-candles. Full, unobstructed sunlight has an intensity of approximately 10,000 fc. An overcast day will produce an intensity of around 1,000 fc. The intensity of light near a window can range from 100 to 5,000 fc, depending on the orientation of the window, time of year and latitude. So, wouldn't this type of measurement be an important variable to hobbiests such as ourselves?
