This is a list of sources of light, the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Light sources produce photons from another energy source, such as heat, chemical reactions, or conversion of mass or a different frequency of electromagnetic energy, and include light bulbs and stars like the Sun. Reflectors (such as the moon, cat's eyes, and mirrors) do not actually produce the light that comes from them.

Incandescence

Incandescence is the emission of light from a hot body as a result of its temperature.

Combustion

Lamps

Other

Nuclear and high-energy particle

Celestial and atmospheric

Luminescence

Luminescence is emission of light by a substance not resulting from heat.

Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is light resulting from biochemical reaction by a living organism.

Cathodoluminescence

Cathodoluminescence is light resulting from a luminescent material being struck by electrons.

Chemiluminescence

Chemiluminescence is light resulting from a chemical reaction.

Cryoluminescence

Cryoluminescence is the emission of light when an object is cooled.

Crystalloluminescence

Crystalloluminescence is light produced during crystallization.

Electric discharge (electrical energy)

Electrochemiluminescence

Electrochemiluminescence is light resulting from an electrochemical reaction.

Electroluminescence

Electroluminescence is light resulting from an electric current being passed through a substance.

Mechanoluminescence

Mechanoluminescence is light resulting from a mechanical action on a solid.

Photoluminescence

Photoluminescence is light resulting from absorption of photons.

Radioluminescence

Radioluminescence is light resulting from bombardment by ionizing radiation.

Thermoluminescence

Thermoluminescence is light from the re-emission of absorbed energy when a substance is heated.