Apparent and Absolute Magnitude

Open Ended

Why do you think it is important for scientists to measure the brightness of stars?

Multiple Select

Select all the correct statements about apparent magnitude.

• It measures how bright a star looks from Earth.

• It depends on the distance of the star from Earth.

• It tells us how bright a star actually is.

• It does not measure the real brightness of a star.

Fill in the Blanks

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about absolute magnitude is correct?

• Absolute magnitude is how bright a star actually is compared to other stars.

• Absolute magnitude depends on the distance from Earth.

• Absolute magnitude can be determined just by looking at a star.

• Absolute magnitude is another name for apparent magnitude.

Open Ended

Why are most stars in the sky not as bright as the Sun?

Multiple Choice

Look at the table to the left. Which of the following stars on the table is CLOSEST to the Earth?

• Sirius

• Vega

• Arcturus

• Aldebaran

• Rigel

Multiple Choice

Look at the table to the left. Which of the following stars on the table is FARTHEST from the Earth?

• Sirius

• Vega

• Arcturus

• Aldebaran

• Rigel

Multiple Choice

Look at the table to the left. Which of the following stars on the table LOOKS the BRIGHTEST on Earth?

• Sirius

• Vega

• Arcturus

• Aldebaran

• Rigel

Multiple Choice

Look at the table to the left. Which of the following stars on the table LOOKS the dimmest on Earth?

• Sirius

• Vega

• Arcturus

• Aldebaran

• Rigel

Multiple Choice

Look at the table to the left. Which of the following stars on the table is ACTUALLY the BRIGHTEST star?

• Sirius

• Vega

• Arcturus

• Aldebaran

• Rigel

Multiple Choice

Look at the table to the left. Which of the following stars on the table is ACTUALLY the dimmest star?

• Sirius

• Vega

• Arcturus

• Aldebaran

• Rigel

Multiple Choice

Look at the table to the left. Which of the following stars on the table is the HOTTEST star?

• Sirius

• Vega

• Arcturus

• Aldebaran

• Rigel

Multiple Choice

Look at the table to the left. Which of the following stars on the table is the COOLEST star?

• Sirius

• Vega

• Aldebaran

• Betelgeuse

Multiple Choice

Why does Sirius LOOK brighter than Rigel from Earth, even though Rigel is actually brighter?

• Sirius is closer to Earth than Rigel

• Sirius is much hotter than Rigel

• Sirius is much bigger than Rigel

Multiple Choice

Is distance the only variable when determining apparent brightness?

• yes

• no

Multiple Choice

Is temperature the only variable when determining absolute brightness?

• yes

• no

Multiple Choice

Is star size important when determining absolute brightness?

• yes

• no