  Based on fundamental properties of light scattering by a particle we reveal
the existence of the ultimate upper limit for the light absorption by any
partial mode. First, we obtain this result for scattering of a plane wave by a
symmetric spherical or infinite cylindrical structure of an arbitrary radius.
Then, we generalize it to an arbitrary finite obstacle. Importantly, the result
is true for any polarization, any angle of incidence of the plane wave and any
type of the structure (homogeneous, stratified, or with smoothly variable
refractive index). The corresponding maximal partial cross- section is a
universal quantity, which does not depend on the optical constants of the
scatterer its radius, and even its shape.
