What is the definition of a luminous object?

A luminous object is defined as one that emits its own light. This means that such objects produce light through various processes, such as incandescence, which is the emission of light as a result of being heated, or through other mechanisms like bioluminescence or electric discharge. Examples of luminous objects include the sun, light bulbs, and fireflies.

Understanding this concept is essential because it distinguishes luminous objects from non-luminous ones, which may simply reflect, scatter, or absorb light rather than generate it. In the context of optics, recognizing the difference helps to clarify how we perceive objects in different lighting conditions and can influence topics like the behavior of light and visual perception.