Using selective field ionization (SFI) of Na Rydberg atoms we have detected the 300 °K blackbody radiation which induces the Na transitions 17s→17p, 18s→18p, 17d→18p, and 17d→18ffrequencies of 27.3, 22.8, 7.4, and 41.6 cm−1, respectively. Investigation of the probable collisional effects show that they are negligible at 300 °K and allow us to project temperatures of <25 °K for Rydberg‐atom long‐wave detectors.