- #1
Rohan1997
- 27
- 0
My physics book mentions that a stars luminosity is its total power output at all wavelengths and that
absolute magnitude is defined as inherent brightness and NOT luminosity.
It then mentions that two stars of the same power output have the same absolute magnitude.
Since luminosity is the power output of a star how is this possible? the book contradicts itself by saying that absolute magnitude cannot be defined as luminosity and then mentions that two stars with same absolute magnitude have the same power/luminosity?
To be honest the whole thing with intensity, power output, luminosity and brightness of stars is very confusion for me and I have spent the past hour just trying to grasp these simple concepts, it would be much appreciated if anyone could help me in understanding this.
Many thanks
absolute magnitude is defined as inherent brightness and NOT luminosity.
It then mentions that two stars of the same power output have the same absolute magnitude.
Since luminosity is the power output of a star how is this possible? the book contradicts itself by saying that absolute magnitude cannot be defined as luminosity and then mentions that two stars with same absolute magnitude have the same power/luminosity?
To be honest the whole thing with intensity, power output, luminosity and brightness of stars is very confusion for me and I have spent the past hour just trying to grasp these simple concepts, it would be much appreciated if anyone could help me in understanding this.
Many thanks