Editing Night vision (section)

=== Thermal vision ===
{{see also|Thermographic camera|Forward-looking infrared}}
[[Thermal imaging]] detects the temperature difference between background and foreground objects. Some organisms are able to sense a crude thermal image by means of special organs that function as [[bolometer]]s. This allows thermal [[infrared sensing in snakes]], which functions by detecting thermal radiation.

[[Thermographic camera|Thermal imaging cameras]] are excellent tools for night vision. They detect [[thermal radiation]] and do not need a source of illumination. They produce an image in the darkest of nights and can see through light fog, rain, and smoke (to a certain extent). Thermal imaging cameras make small temperature differences visible. They are widely used to complement new or existing security networks, and for night vision on aircraft, where they are commonly referred to as "FLIR" (for "forward-looking infrared"). When coupled with additional cameras (for example, a visible spectrum camera or SWIR) multispectral sensors are possible, which take advantage of the benefits of each detection band's capabilities. Contrary to misconceptions portrayed in the media, thermal imagers cannot "see" through solid objects (walls, for example), nor can they see through glass or acrylic, as both these materials have their own thermal signature and are opaque to long wave infrared radiation.