What is line blanketing?

Line blanketing refers to the phenomenon in astrophysics where certain spectral lines in the spectrum of a star or celestial object are obscured or weakened due to the presence of absorbing material, typically in the form of gas or dust. This absorption can occur in the object's atmosphere or in interstellar space, leading to a reduction in the intensity of specific wavelengths of light. As a result, this can affect the interpretation of the object's composition, temperature, and other physical properties. Line blanketing is particularly significant in the study of stars and exoplanets.