In other words, a shiny metal surface reflects most of the infrared energy that strikes it, but the material surrounding it may be absorbing and re-radiating most of its energy thus appearing to be a different temperature. As infrared energy strikes an object, three things can happen to it. T Most materials do not transmit infrared energy. Exceptions include IR optical materials such as germanium and some plastics. Good reflectors are not good emitters, and visa versa.
Good reflectors appear to be the same temperature as their surroundings.
Emissivity and reflectance values range from zero to one, but in general we only refer to a material's emissivity value. The table below provides a sample of emissivity values for various materials. We care because the emissivity of an object affects how we interpret an image. Temperatures are not always what they appear to be. Highly reflective materials reflect the temperatures of the objects around them.