Ultraviolet (definition)

An ultraviolet sensor (UV sensor) is a device that measures UV light from the Sun.

The UV index is an international standard measurement of how strong the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at a particular place on a particular day. It is a scale primarily used in daily forecasts aimed at the general public.

Its purpose is to help people to effectively protect themselves from UV light, of which excessive exposure causes sunburns, eye damage such as cataracts, skin aging, and skin cancer (see the section health effects of ultraviolet light).

See all weather stations that measure UV or return to the Weather Station Glossary of Terms