Sensor

A sensor is an artificial device that analyzes energy patterns to identify objects and phenomena. Sensors can be passive -- only analyzing energy received from external sources -- or active -- generating energy pulses and analyzing "echoes" that return from them. Modern examples of active sensors include RADAR and SONAR, which use radio waves and sound waves to detect and identify objects, respectively. Examples of common modern-day passive sensors are motion sensors, digital video cameras, and microphones.

Sensors in Science Fiction

Most science fiction spacecraft possess an array of futuristic sensors capable of detecting other space craft at great distances, detecting living things on ships or planets, analyzing the composition of materials, and various other tasks.

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