The traditional infrared photometric bands extending the optical photometric system into this range are approximately
Their photometric passbands lie mainly in atmospheric windows between strong molecular absorption bands. This makes ground-based observations practical. The exact centers depend on the system: is near , and shortened and bands reduce unwanted background or absorption. At the longest wavelengths, atmospheric and instrumental thermal radiation make sky brightness especially important. A modern band near is an additional choice, rather than one of the traditional extensions.