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Because it is generally of a very high energy level, allowing it to be transmitted (rather than absorbed, reflected, or scattered off of molecules of gases or larger particles) straight to the ground. This has to do with the size of these particles relative to the very short wavelength of this radiation, and also to the preference of these molecules of gas to absorb gases of different wavelengths. Though in reality, quite a bit of it IS absorbed by gases, scattered by particles, and reflected by clouds. This is the biggest reason it remains so cold in polar regions in the summer, even when there are 24 hours of sun: it must pass through such a thick layer of atmosphere due to the tilt of the sphere of the Earth, that only a relatively small amount can make it to the surface.

When it heats up the surface of the Earth, which then emits its own radiation (at a much longer wavelength, and therefore lower energy level, than the sun because the Earth is much cooler than the sun), this "longwave radiation" tends to get absorbed much more readily by the atmosphere, and this is the essence of the greenhouse effect.

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Q: Why can radiation from the Sun get through the atmosphere?
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