2000ApJ...532L.137S

We analyze the wind generated by the great 20 yr-long super-Eddington outburst of η Carinae. We show that by using the classical stellar atmosphere and wind theory, it is impossible to construct a consistent wind model in which a sufficiently small amount of mass, like the one observed, is shed. One expects the super-Eddington luminosity to drive a thick wind with a mass-loss rate substantially higher than the observed one. The easiest way to resolve the inconsistency is if we alleviate the implicit notion that atmospheres are homogeneous. An inhomogeneous, or ``porous'', atmosphere allows more radiation to escape while exerting a smaller average force. Consequently, such an atmosphere yields a considerably lower mass-loss rate for the same total luminosity. Moreover, all the applications of the Eddington luminosity as a strict luminosity limit should be revised or at least reanalyzed carefully.