The vanes in the Radiometer are alternately dark and light in color.
When the light strikes these vanes it transfers heat to each one -
but not at the same degree. The lighter vane reflects the rays and
the darker vane absorbs the rays. The stronger the light, the more
energy there is causing the vanes to spin faster. It is important that the vanes
are in a partial vacuum. Too much air pressure and the vanes cannot spin. If there is not enough air pressure
then heat can't transfer away from the black face to create air movement.
More information about radiometers can be found here
The youtube channel also did a nice video about them here