Technique · Photometry & Imaging

The Magnitude System

Astronomy's logarithmic, backwards brightness scale, in which smaller numbers are brighter. Apparent magnitude is how bright an object looks; absolute magnitude is how bright it truly is — and the difference gives its distance.

Photometry & ImagingMeasures: Brightness on the magnitude scale

Highlights

›Apparent minus absolute magnitude gives distance

Knowledge connections

Member of groupPhotometry & Imaging

Sources

Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.

NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.

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