Light emission is the process by which an object produces and releases light. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as thermal radiation, where heat causes an object to glow, or through chemical reactions, as seen in fireflies. Light can also be emitted when electrons in atoms transition between energy levels, releasing energy in the form of photons. Different materials emit light in unique ways. For example, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) produce light when an electric current passes through them, while neon signs emit light when gas is energized. Understanding light emission is essential in fields like photonics and optics, which explore the behavior and properties of light.