The apparent magnitude (m) of a celestial body is a measure of its brightness as seen by an observer on Earth, adjusted to the value it would have in the absence of the atmosphere. The brighter the object appears, the lower the value of its magnitude. Generally the visible spectrum (vmag) is used for the apparent magnitude, but other spectrums such as the near-infrared J-band magnitude are also used. In the visible spectrum Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky, while in the near-infrared J-band, Betelgeuse is the brightest star in the night sky.
Read more about Apparent Magnitude: History, Table of Notable Celestial Objects, Calculations, Standard Reference Values
Famous quotes containing the words apparent and/or magnitude:
“The apparent ease of California life is an illusion, and those who believe the illusion will live here in only the most temporary way.”
—Joan Didion (b. 1935)
“Sometimes you’re overwhelmed when a thing comes, and you do not realize the magnitude of the affair at that moment. When you get away from it, you wonder, did it really happen to you.”
—Marian Anderson (1902–1993)