Point-like astronomical source (source code)

= Point-like astronomical source

A point-like astronomical source has an angular extent negligible for the calculation or measurement being considered. The ideal mathematical limit concentrates its luminosity at one source-plane position. In <gravitational lensing>, this approximation permits divergent formal magnifications on a caustic; a finite source averages the magnification over its emitting area. An unresolved source need not have negligible size compared with the lens's caustic scale.