Apparent magnitude of a binary star system

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the apparent magnitude of a binary star system with a hot main sequence star and a red giant, the distance to the system is approximately 833.65 parsecs based on the given parallax. The apparent magnitudes cannot be directly added; instead, they must be converted into intensities for accurate summation. The formula b1/b2 = 2.512^(m2-m1) is relevant for this conversion. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between magnitude and intensity in binary systems. Proper calculations will yield the correct apparent magnitude of the binary star system.
~ZeroPoint~
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Homework Statement


A binary star system consists of a hot main sequence star (m=0.5m) and a red giant (m=1.2m), the parallax of the system is p=0.0012". Calculate the apparent magnitude of the system.


Homework Equations


I have b1/b2 = 2.512^(m2-m1) and p=1/r


The Attempt at a Solution


I've already calculated the distance from the system to the Earth (~833.65pc) and I know that I can't simply add the apparent magnitudes.
 
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