Astronomy & Space
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Distance Modulus

Relates apparent and absolute magnitude to distance.

Formula

m−M=5log⁡10(d)−5m - M = 5\log_{10}(d) - 5

Variables

mApparent magnitude
MAbsolute magnitude
dDistance (pc)

Example

A star at 100 pc has m − M = 5·log(100) − 5 = 5 magnitudes.

Did You Know?

The distance modulus compares how bright a star looks with how bright it truly is to find its distance.

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