Editing Sensors (section)

==Passive Sensors==
Passive sensors emit no energy, instead gather target data by detecting incoming emissions. [[Thermal Sensor]]s pick up the infrared emissions from ship and missile engines, while [[EM Sensor]]s pick up the emissions from active sensors and shields. Both will detect [[colony|Colonies]], where higher EM to thermal ratio seem to indicate the presence of larger civilian populations and advanced installations.

The stronger the emissions, the farther it can be detected. The formula varies by version: 
 C#: Range = sqrt(Sensitivity * Signature strength) * 250,000 km
 VB6: Range = Sensitivity * Signature strength * 1,000 km
Where: 
 Sensitivity = Sensor size * Sensitivity tech level used

Bigger is always better (if you can afford the ship carrying a huge sensor, at least...), but the gains from size are moderate in C# and very large in VB6. 

===Thermal Sensors===
A [[Thermal Sensors|Thermal sensor]] is a passive sensor sensitive to infrared emissions, and can detect Ship/missile [[engine]]s or colony activity thermal signatures. They're not so good at finding anything powered down or moving under minimal power, though. [[Engine]]s designed with thermal reduction technology or travelling at less than full speed will emit less heat, and will be harder for Thermal sensors to detect. You can set the speed in the Task Group window.

===EM Sensors===
An [[EM Sensor]] is a passive sensor that detects electromagnetic emissions from active sensors, [[shields]] and colonies on a planet. Good for locating civilian populations or fully powered military fleets. Not so good at finding a ship under emissions control, which has actives and shields switched off and does not emit any EM at all. However, an enemy ship with no active sensors could be a sitting duck for your missiles, if you do manage to find it...