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:
“Sometimes apparent resemblances of character will bring two men together and for a certain time unite them. But their mistake gradually becomes evident, and they are astonished to find themselves not only far apart, but even repelled, in some sort, at all their points of contact.”
—Sébastien-Roch Nicolas De Chamfort (1741–1794)
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—Marian Anderson (1902–1993)