Apparent magnitudes
Definition
Apparent magnitude measures the brightness of a celestial object as seen from Earth. It is a logarithmic scale where lower values indicate brighter objects.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The apparent magnitude scale was developed by the ancient Greek astronomer Hipparchus.
- A difference of 5 magnitudes corresponds to a brightness factor of exactly 100.
- Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, has an apparent magnitude of -1.46.
- Objects with negative apparent magnitudes are exceptionally bright, such as Venus and the Sun.
- Apparent magnitudes can be affected by factors like distance from Earth and atmospheric conditions.
Review Questions
- Who developed the apparent magnitude scale?
- What does a difference of 5 magnitudes represent in terms of brightness?
- Give an example of a celestial object with a negative apparent magnitude.
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Related terms
Absolute Magnitude: The intrinsic brightness of a celestial object as it would appear at a standard distance of 10 parsecs from Earth.
Luminosity: The total amount of energy emitted by a star or other astronomical object per unit time.
Parallax: The apparent shift in position of a nearby star against the background of distant objects due to Earth's orbit around the Sun.
