absolute magnitude

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. the magnitude of a star as it would appear to a hypothetical observer at a distance of 10 parsecs or 32.6 light-years.

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absolute magnitude British  

noun

1. the apparent magnitude a given star would have if it were situated at a distance of 10 parsecs (32.6 light years) from the earth

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absolute magnitude Scientific  

1. See under at magnitude

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Etymology

Origin of absolute magnitude

First recorded in 1900–05

Compare meaning

How does absolute-magnitude compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• apparent magnitude vs. absolute magnitude

Example Sentences

The absolute magnitude of this star is 11m.7 and it is, with the exception of one other, the very faintest star now known.

From Lectures on Stellar Statistics by Charlier, Carl Vilhelm Ludvig

So greatly have the studies of these objects progressed that, as before remarked, when we know the star's period, we can get its absolute magnitude, and from this the star's distance.

From Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by Todd, David Peck

We may go further and answer that all stars with an absolute magnitude brighter than 6m must be contained in this list.

From Lectures on Stellar Statistics by Charlier, Carl Vilhelm Ludvig

This plant obviously was chosen by the Lord, not on account of its absolute magnitude, but because it was, and was recognized to be, a striking instance of increase from very small to very great.

From Jesus the Christ A Study of the Messiah and His Mission According to Holy Scriptures Both Ancient and Modern by Talmage, James Edward

The absolute magnitude of my misfortune only loomed upon me by degrees.

From O'Conors of Castle Conor by Trollope, Anthony