Can a thermal imaging device "see" a person in the dark?

A thermal imaging device detects heat emitted by objects and organisms, making it capable of identifying a person in the dark. These devices sense infrared radiation, which is emitted by all living things due to their body heat. They create an image based on temperature differences, allowing the operator to see individuals even in complete darkness.

The ability of thermal imaging devices to see people regardless of clothing or environmental lighting highlights their importance in search and rescue operations, firefighting, and other situations where visibility is compromised. Even if a person is not wearing a special suit or if their clothing is not on fire, the heat from their body is sufficient for the thermal imaging device to create an image.

Thermal imaging technology is advantageous not just for visibility in low-light conditions, but also for detecting heat signatures that might indicate a person's location, even through smoke or obscured environments.