The Eddington Limit

The Eddington Limit is the maximum brightness a star or other celestial object can achieve when radiation pressure from its light balances the gravitational pull pulling material inward. If the object becomes brighter than this limit, the radiation pushes away the outer layers, preventing further increase in brightness. Essentially, it’s a balance point that sets a natural cap on how luminous a star or accreting black hole can be, ensuring that radiation doesn’t blow away the material needed for its growth or stability.