Understanding Magnitude in Astronomy

Front

Apparent magnitude symbol

Back

latex="m">

Front

Absolute magnitude symbol

Back

latex="M">

Front

Apparent magnitude definition

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of a star as seen from Earth

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Absolute magnitude definition

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of a star at 10 parsecs from Earth

Front

Distance modulus formula

Back

latex="m - M = 5 \log_{10}(d) - 5">

Front

Back

to star in parsecs

Front

Back

latex="M = m - 5 \log_{10}(d) + 5">

Front

Back

latex="m = M + 5 \log_{10}(d) - 5">

Front

Logarithmic scale in magnitude

Back

5 magnitudes = 100 times brightness difference

Front

Brighter star magnitude

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or more negative value