2006-11-05 02:37:46 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The eye detects wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (fancy talk for light) that fall within the visible spectrum and are of sufficient luminosity to effectively stimulate the retina to send an interpretable message to the brain via the optic nerve.
Luminous and non-luminous objects as you pose the question simply implies various levels of brightness and perhaps the 'source' of the light.
The eye simply detects light and interprets the wavelengths. If the object is the 'luminous source' of the light - as the sun, the eye's processing of the information is no different from the 'reflected' light from an object (perhaps what you mean by non-luminous) such as a tree or rock.
The physiology is the same.
Though - an intensely luminous object, or prolonged exposure to such, can damage the eye and even result in blindess. (Don't look directly at the sun!!!).
Good question and remember - KEEP STUDYING SCIENCE!!!
2006-11-05 02:56:03 · answer #1 · answered by Bryan 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you see a light in a mirror, is the mirror a luminous object? No, because it is only reflecting light from another source. So it is with the Moon. It only shines by reflected sunlight. It has no light of its own, as you can see from the fact that it shows phases. This is the result of our only being able to see some of the sunlit area and some of the dark area. If it was emitting its own light it would have no dark side.
2016-03-19 03:49:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well.............for you to see any thing at all..........light must enter your eyes. Any luminous objects (that is objects that emit their own light) are captured by the eye, when light enters it.
When an object is non-luminous, you see them only because daylight, or other light, bounces of them. They reflect this light into your eye, and thus you're able to see them too.
2006-11-05 02:46:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Luminous is seen as a projection and non-luminous as a reflection.
2006-11-05 02:46:21 · answer #4 · answered by Ricky 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only objects in the range of visible light, if speaking of black body radiation, as things that are there but are not emitting energy in the range that we can detect with the naked eye.
2006-11-07 19:45:12 · answer #5 · answered by Charles-CeeJay_UK_ USA/CheekyLad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the light reflects by every single objects you see. the light reflects from the object and into your eyes. that's how you see. if there will be no light, you will not be abe to see anything.
2006-11-06 05:45:58 · answer #6 · answered by Jia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the luminosity is basically stored energy. flourocene is the naturally occuring luminescence you see in sea animals etc, on watches and clcok faces its radium and was paiinted on by hand. and it killed hundreds of women... westclox i think.. midwest america 1930's big scandal.
(might be worth an extra brownie point. )
2006-11-05 02:44:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋