Why does a bight object like the sun have negative magnitude?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of magnitude in astronomy, particularly focusing on why bright objects like the sun can have negative magnitudes. Participants explore the implications of different magnitude values and classifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why bright objects like the sun have negative magnitudes.
  • Another participant provides a link to an external resource related to star properties.
  • Several participants express curiosity about how to conceptualize objects with higher magnitudes, such as a magnitude of 19, and inquire about the classification of these magnitudes.
  • There is a mention of the distinction between absolute and apparent magnitude, indicating that these terms describe brightness from different distances.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus, as participants express varying levels of understanding and curiosity about the classification of magnitudes and the implications of negative values.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the need for clarity on spectral classes and the definitions of absolute versus apparent magnitude, suggesting potential limitations in understanding these concepts fully.

DB
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Why does a bight object like the sun have negative magnitude?

TY
 
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thnx, i understand the math now, but how do u think of an object with for example a magnitude of 19? what class of magnitudes would it be in?
 
DB said:
thnx, i understand the math now, but how do u think of an object with for example a magnitude of 19? what class of magnitudes would it be in?
I'm not sure what you mean: the object is detected, its brightness measured, and its magnitude is calculated.
 
DB said:
thnx, i understand the math now, but how do u think of an object with for example a magnitude of 19? what class of magnitudes would it be in?

Do you mean spectral classes?

Also, remember the difference between absolute and apparent magnitude, which describe the object's magnitude from 10 parsecs and from a chosen distance, respectivly.
 

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