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------------------------------------------------ What is limb darkening? Why does it occur?

Answer :

Limb darkening is a phenomenon observed in the brightness of a celestial body such as a star or a planet, where the brightness decreases towards the outer edge or limb of the object. This occurs because the limb of the object is viewed at a larger angle compared to the center.

Therefore the light emitted from the limb has to travel through more of the object's atmosphere, which absorbs more light. Additionally, the outer layers of the object are cooler and less dense, which also contributes to the reduced brightness towards the limb. Limb darkening is commonly observed in stars and is important in determining the temperature and composition of their atmospheres.


Limb darkening is an optical effect observed in the celestial bodies, such as the Sun and other stars. It refers to the gradual decrease in brightness towards the edge or limb of a star when compared to its center.

Limb darkening occurs due to two primary reasons:

1. Temperature gradient: The temperature of a star decreases from its core to its outer layers. As you move towards the limb, you're looking through the cooler and less dense layers, which emit less light than the hotter and denser central regions.

2. Optical depth: When you look towards the center of a star, the light is coming from a greater depth, whereas the light from the limb travels through the shallower layers. This difference in optical depth causes the light to be scattered and absorbed, reducing the overall intensity of the light from the limb.

In summary, limb darkening is caused by the combination of a temperature gradient and optical depth differences within a star, leading to the observed reduction in brightness towards its edge.

Learn more about Limb darkening at: brainly.com/question/12365368

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