The total energy output of a star across all wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. This is different from visual luminosity, which only measures light visible to human eyes.
From Greek 'bole' (ray of light) + 'metron' (measure) + Latin 'luminositas' (brightness). The term developed in the early 20th century as astronomers realized stars emit energy across the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
Bolometric luminosity reveals a star's true power output - it's like measuring all the heat from a campfire instead of just the visible flames! Some stars that appear dim to our eyes are actually incredibly luminous when you count their infrared or ultraviolet radiation.
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