Definition
The apparent magnitude of a celestial object is a measure of how it looks to the eye. However, to make such a measurement useful to other observers at other locations and other times a more rigorous and transferrable standard is needed. This system needs to accommodate the different colors of celestial objects and the widely varying color sensitivity of the human eye. To achieve this, standardized systems of color filters have been established, which used together with standardized photometers, yield a useful system which not only defines the brightnesses of celestial objects in a consistent way, but also forms a useful basis for the spectral classification of stars.
Glossary of Terms
Elevation: Angle between the geometrical horizon (as indicated by a spirit level) and the direction of the star or other object in question.
Extinction: The degree to which starlight is weakened by the medium through which the...
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References
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Tapping, K. (2019). Apparent Magnitude, Astronomy. In: Shamey, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_200-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_200-2
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Latest
Apparent Magnitude, Astronomy- Published:
- 06 June 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_200-2
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Original
Apparent Magnitude, Astronomy- Published:
- 04 October 2014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_200-1