The core principle of thermal sights is based on the thermal radiation characteristics of objects. All objects with a temperature above absolute zero (-273.15℃) will radiate infrared rays outward. The higher the temperature of the object, the stronger the infrared energy radiated. The infrared detector inside the thermal sight can capture these infrared radiations and convert them into electrical signals. After a series of signal processing and image conversion, a visible thermal image is finally formed on the display screen of the sight, allowing users to identify targets based on the differences in thermal signals of different objects.
Problems faced when hunting with thermal sights during the day
1. Ambient temperature interference: During the day, the sun's radiation causes the surrounding temperature to generally rise, and different objects absorb and reflect sunlight to different degrees, which greatly increases the complexity of thermal signals in the environment. For example, the temperature of rocks, soil, vegetation, etc. rises under sunlight, and the thermal signal contrast between them and prey may decrease. Although the body temperature of the prey is relatively stable, it may be difficult for thermal sights to clearly distinguish the prey from the surrounding environment under this complex thermal background, and it is easy to misjudge or lose the target.
2. Light reflection and glare: During the day, sufficient light will reflect on the surfaces of various objects, especially water, metal objects, and smooth rocks. These reflected lights may enter the thermal sight, causing a glare-like effect, interfering with the thermal imaging screen, reducing the image quality, and further affecting the observation and identification of prey. At the same time, strong light may also cause the detector of the thermal sight to saturate, reducing its sensitivity to weak thermal signals, making some small prey or prey hidden in the shadows more difficult to detect.
3. Cost of use and portability: Thermal sights are generally expensive, and their internal electronic components and infrared detectors are relatively sophisticated. Frequent use in complex light and temperature environments during the day may shorten their service life and increase the cost of use. In addition, thermal sights are usually heavier and larger than ordinary optical sights. During long-term hunting during the day, the convenience of carrying and operation is poor, which will bring additional burdens to hunters and affect the efficiency and experience of hunting.
In summary, although it is theoretically possible to hunt with thermal sights during the day, there are many technical challenges in actual operation, and legal and ethical factors must also be considered. In contrast, thermal scopes can play their unique advantages at night or in low-light environments and are more suitable for activities such as hunting.
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