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

Differences of absolute magnitude, density, period of revolution, eccentricity, and inclination of the orbits.

From COSMOS: A Sketch of the Physical Description of the Universe, Vol. 1 by Humboldt, Alexander von

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

From O'Conors of Castle Conor by Trollope, Anthony

Kemmerer does not, in general, assign an absolute magnitude for "trade," but for 1890 he gives a figure.

From The Value of Money by Anderson, Benjamin M.

Well, first one is struck with the absolute magnitude assigned to T. The figures seem vastly greater than would have been anticipated.

From The Value of Money by Anderson, Benjamin M.

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

From The Parables of Our Lord by Arnot, William