"Fractenna"
Thermal images register differentials in temperature.
The lower horizon and ground are usually between
200-300 degrees Kelvin...

I believe you're about half-way to proving that Thermal Images are
impossible. What next? Santa Claus?

Perhaps the delta between our positions is that if the temperature increases
are not significant, then I'm assuming that the information is not of value
(for the purposes that I'm assuming). In other words, a flame test without
the flame. Perhaps you're assuming another (more academic, less practical)
purpose.

I've seen lots of foolishness in this general field (w.r.t. cell phones,
fake heads and measuring temperatures- pure rubbish and a lack of common
sense). The world would be a better place if they sent most of the
researchers in this field on a one-way trip into outer space. The whole
field seems to be infested with idiots (perhaps too much time experimenting
with cell phones?).