A pyrheliometer is an instrument used to measure the solar irradiance received from the direct solar beam at a given location. It specifically measures the intensity of sunlight, typically in watts per square meter (W/m²). Pyrheliometers are designed to accurately capture the direct solar radiation by being oriented towards the sun. The instrument generally consists of a thermopile sensor that converts the thermal energy (heat) from absorbed sunlight into an electrical signal, which can then be quantified.
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