Actually you are pretty dam spot on Sam ... the nuclear reactions involving energy level reactions simply create the heat. The heat creates the light from the kinetic energy of the heat which is why is why the spectrum is smooth and broad .... which is the problem Paul was after in the OP.

Last edited by Orac; 07/05/16 03:41 AM.
I believe in "Evil, Bad, Ungodly fantasy science and maths", so I am undoubtedly wrong to you.