CEFR B2

luminosity

noun

Meaning

The intrinsic brightness of a celestial object (like a star or galaxy), independent of its distance from the observer.

Examples

  • Astronomers measure the luminosity of stars to understand their size and temperature.
  • The Sun's luminosity is immense, but it appears smaller because it is relatively close to Earth.

Synonyms: brightness, radiance, brilliance, effulgence