CompuServe Messages

Darin, Ok, I knew where you were going once I read you modelled a light. <g> A light source is defined by the axis of an object itself. In the case of a sphere with the axis at the center, the light is emitted by the axis. Knowing this, lets take both Scanline & Trace and see what's happening. In Scanline mode, lightsources will not be obstructed…they will pass through objects as if they are not even there. They also do not cast shadows. This is why you see the scene lit, with no shadows. In Trace mode, lightsources will work as they do in real life. The axis in your sphere emits the light. The light rays start their trek towards the opaque sphere. They are not able to pass through and shine on the scene. They are for arguments sake, trapped. They are restricted to inside the sphere that the are emitted from. Therefore, no light in the scene outside of the lamp. To get the effect you want, you must make the sphere somewhat transparent to allow the light rays to shine through. Another method, is to make the sphere a FOG object with a FOG setting of ".01". This will allow light to pass through, as well as make the object appear to be BRIGHT. Around this FOG object you may also want to add another sphere made of glass. This would add to the realistic look of it. Hope this makes some sense. -GreG