What Is Integrated Visual Magnitude in Astronomy?

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SUMMARY

The integrated visual magnitude of a globular cluster with 10,000 stars, where 100 stars have a magnitude of MV=0.0 and 9,900 stars have a magnitude of MV=+5.0, is calculated using a weighted average formula. The calculation yields an integrated visual magnitude of 4.95, which rounds to 5.0. The concept of integrated visual magnitude is not defined in standard astronomy textbooks, indicating a gap in educational resources on this topic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of astronomical magnitudes, specifically absolute and apparent magnitudes.
  • Familiarity with weighted averages and their application in calculations.
  • Basic knowledge of globular clusters and their characteristics.
  • Ability to interpret and analyze astronomical data.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of integrated visual magnitude in astronomy.
  • Study the calculation methods for weighted averages in astronomical contexts.
  • Explore resources on globular clusters and their properties.
  • Examine additional educational materials or textbooks that cover integrated visual magnitude.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy students, educators, and amateur astronomers seeking to understand the calculation and significance of integrated visual magnitude in the study of star clusters.

tony873004
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A certain globular cluster has a total of 10^4 stars; 100 of them have MV=0.0, and the rest have MV=+5.0. What is the integrated visual magnitude of the cluster?


Nowhere in our class notes or textbook is the term "integrated visual magnitude" defined. Googling it, I find the term used, but not defined.


If I had to guess how to do this problem, I'd just do a weighted average:

M_{cluster}=\frac{(100*0.0)+(9900*5.0)}{10000}

M_{cluster}=4.95

Which when rounded for significant figures = 5.0
 
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See if these notes and examples help -

http://ottawa.rasc.ca/observers/an9811p9.html

I am a bit surprised that this is not covered in your textbook.
 
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I was also given this question and I tried clicking the link and it doesn't work. How would I go about starting this? We too didn't learn anything about integrated visual magnitude so I have no idea what to do with this. Is there some type of formula or something?
 

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