Astrophysics: Magnitude of sun when Jupiter crosses over it.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the apparent magnitude of the Sun as observed from a distance of 5 parsecs when Jupiter passes in front of it. The context is astrophysics, specifically focusing on the concepts of flux and magnitude in relation to celestial bodies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the magnitude formula to calculate the apparent magnitude of the Sun with and without Jupiter obscuring it. They express uncertainty about how to incorporate the area of the solar disk affected by Jupiter into the flux ratio.
  • Some participants question how flux is related to the area of the light source and how Jupiter's transit impacts the effective area of the Sun as a light source.
  • There is a discussion about the definition of flux and its dependence on luminosity and distance, with concerns raised about the nature of the solar disk versus the cross-sectional area as viewed from a distance.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between flux and area, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take or the implications of Jupiter's transit.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the problem, including the definitions of flux and luminosity, and how these relate to the visibility of the Sun when obscured by Jupiter. There is an acknowledgment of potential assumptions regarding the geometry of the situation.

Xyius
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Homework Statement


An observer 5pc away observes the sun in the plane of Jupiter orbit. He cannot resolve either object but he notices a slight dimming of the star when Jupiter passes across the sun in his vision. Find the magnitude of the sun with and without Jupiter in front of it.


Homework Equations


Magnitude formula
m_1-m_2=2.5log\left( \frac{\Phi_1}{\Phi_2} \right) (Where Phi is the flux)
I do not know if this is the only equation or not.
Absolute Magnitude of Sun = 4.77

The Attempt at a Solution


So the case when Jupiter is NOT crossing over seems simple enough.

m_1-m_2=2.5log\left( \frac{\Phi_1}{\Phi_2} \right)
=m-M=2.5log\left( \frac{d^2}{10^2} \right)
=m-4.77=2.5log\left( \frac{5^2}{10^2} \right), m=3.26

So now I just need to find the magnitude when Jupiter is crossing the sun. My professor said to find the area of the solar disk that is visible when Jupiter is crossing by simply doing..
\pi (R_{sun}^2-R_{Jupiter}^2)
But I do not know where this fits into the above equation. How can I relate this to the flux ratio? Any help would be appreciated :]
 
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Start with the definition of flux: \Phi. How is flux related to area of the source?

How does Jupiter passing in front of the sun affect the effective area of the light source (ie the sun).

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
Start with the definition of flux: \Phi. How is flux related to area of the source?

How does Jupiter passing in front of the sun affect the effective area of the light source (ie the sun).

AM

Okay so Flux is..

\Phi=\frac{L}{4\pi d^2} Where d is the distance from the star to the observer.

I guess the only thing that changes here would be the Luminosity. Luminosity is defined to be..

L=4\pi R^2 \sigma T^4 Where R is the radius of the star.

So would this be on the right track? My concern is this isn't a "disk" as my professor hinted towards. :\
 
Xyius said:
Okay so Flux is..

\Phi=\frac{L}{4\pi d^2} Where d is the distance from the star to the observer.

I guess the only thing that changes here would be the Luminosity. Luminosity is defined to be..

L=4\pi R^2 \sigma T^4 Where R is the radius of the star.

So would this be on the right track? My concern is this isn't a "disk" as my professor hinted towards. :\
It may not be a disk. But a sphere's cross-sectional area is what one sees from a distance. How is the viewable cross sectional area of the sun affected when Jupiter passes in front of it? When does the effect reach a maximum?

AM
 

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