Magnitude of Stars and the Sun
Most recent answer: 05/16/2013
Q:
What magnitude of star is our sun? I.E how bright is it?
- Nora
La Grande, OR, USA
- Nora
La Grande, OR, USA
A:
The Greek astronomer Hipparchus devised the magnitude system around 150 B.C. Curiously, the larger the magnitude the dimmer the star. It is a logarithmic system: a change of 5 magnitudes corresponds to a factor of 100 in brightness. The sun has a magnitude of -26.7, the moon -12.6. The star Vega is the standard of the industry and has a magnitude of 0. The faintest star you can see with your eye is about +6.5
For more information see:
LeeH
For more information see:
LeeH
(published on 05/16/2013)