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light curve

American  

noun

Astronomy.
  1. a graph showing variations in brightness of celestial objects over time.


Etymology

Origin of light curve

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In current models, a magnetar can act like an energy source that feeds power into a supernova, making it exceptionally bright and shaping its overall light curve.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2026

Its trace in the light curve, however, would not only be significantly weaker.

From Science Daily • Dec. 7, 2023

An algorithm then compares these simulated light curves with the observed light curve and looks for the best match.

From Science Daily • Dec. 7, 2023

The international team of astronomers was formed after an enthusiast viewed the light curve of the star and noticed something strange.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2023

Thus the light curve and the spectroscopic velocity curve are very similar in shape, but one is like the other turned upside down.

From Astronomical Curiosities Facts and Fallacies by Gore, J. Ellard