Atmospheric windows
Some wavelengths cannot be used in remote sensing because our atmosphere absorbs essentially all the photons at these wavelengths that are produced by the sun. In particular, the molecules of water, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and ozone in our atmosphere block solar radiation. The wavelength ranges in which the atmosphere is transparent are called atmospheric windows. Remote sensing projects must be conducted in wavelengths that occur within atmospheric windows. Outside of these windows, there is simply no radiation from the sun to detect--the atmosphere has blocked it.
I think you have reviewed all the essential physics you need to start chatting with remote sensing people without embarrasing yourself by saying something really foolish. But if there is something I missed, contact me (bamrice(at)ucdavis.edu) and I will add it here.
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