apparent magnitude

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. the magnitude of a star as it appears to an observer on the earth.

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apparent magnitude British  

noun

1. another name for magnitude

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apparent magnitude Scientific  

1. See under magnitude

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Etymology

Origin of apparent magnitude

First recorded in 1870–75

Compare meaning

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

• apparent magnitude vs. absolute magnitude

Example Sentences

The company says it is planning to use anti-reflective materials on its next-generation satellites, as well as certain flight manoeuvres to reduce the crafts’ apparent magnitude.

From Scientific American • Oct. 2, 2023

The apparent magnitude of Frelimo’s win was criticized by some independent analysts.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 17, 2019

You have enough information from this chapter to estimate the distance to Alpha Centauri, the second nearest star, which has an apparent magnitude of 0.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

Well, it has an apparent magnitude of 7.075, a similar mass and temperature to our own sun, and a Neptune-sized planet, HD164595 b, in its orbit.

From The Guardian • Aug. 31, 2016

A fast reading with the photocell gave me the apparent magnitude and a comparison with its absolute magnitude showed its distance.

From The Repairman by Harrison, Harry