Brightness
​adjective
Definition of Brightness
Brightness refers to the amount of visible light emitted by a light source. It is measured in lumens.
It is an important factor to consider when choosing lighting as it tells us the level of illumination provided by a light and therefore its effectiveness.
The required level of brightness will vary depending on the intended use of the lighting.
For example, underwater lights, for example, Bluefin LED Mako M12 IFM Underwater Light, produce 6000 lumens to achieve visibility despite the water’s refraction.
On the other hand, the lighting in a boat cockpit, such as the LED Cockpit Light - Surface Mount, only produces 180 lumens as it must not interfere with the boat operator’s night vision.
- Intended use: If intended for navigation, the lights must be bright enough to clearly see channel markers and be visible to other vessels 1–2 NM away. If the lights are for fishing purposes, the brightness should be sufficient to attract fish.
- Water conditions: In clear, calm waters, lower brightness lights may be sufficient. However, rough, choppy waters will require brighter lights. Foggy conditions respond to yellow light better than they do to cool white lights.
- Size and type of boat: A larger boat will require brighter lights to ensure visibility, for example, the mast lights of boats smaller than 39.4 feet long need visibility of up to 2 NM, however, larger boats need visibility of 3 NM.
- Regulatory requirements: Regulations may dictate the required brightness for certain types of lights, such as navigation lights or anchor lights. It is important to ensure that any lights installed on the boat meet regulatory requirements.
- Color temperature: The color temperature of the light affects the perceived brightness. Cooler, blue-toned color temperatures may appear brighter than warmer (yellower) color temperatures, even if they have the same lumen output.
- Power source: If the boat has a limited power supply, it may not be able to support very bright lights. In this case, it may be necessary to choose lower brightness lights or invest in a higher-capacity power source such as generators or solar panels.
Example of Brightness in a Sentence
"Brightness is an important factor to consider when choosing navigation lights, as it can impact the visibility and safety of the vessel in various weather and water conditions."
Synonyms: luminosity, radiance, brilliance
Related Terms for Brightness