What is Stellar Flux and How Does it Affect Solar Wind?

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SUMMARY

Stellar flux refers to the radiant flux, or total power emitted from a star, measured as the energy of radiation passing through a unit area per second. It is synonymous with radiative flux density and irradiance when considering surface area. The concept is crucial for calculating apparent magnitude, which compares the energy received from stars at Earth's surface to a reference flux. Additionally, stellar flux is integral to understanding bolometric luminosity, which encompasses total power across all wavelengths.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radiant flux and its measurement
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic radiation bands
  • Knowledge of apparent magnitude and its calculation
  • Basic concepts of bolometric luminosity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between stellar flux and apparent magnitude calculations
  • Explore the concept of bolometric luminosity in astrophysics
  • Learn about the different bands of electromagnetic radiation
  • Investigate the properties and effects of solar wind on stellar flux
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysics students, and anyone interested in the properties of stars and their impact on solar phenomena.

EpicAll Rounder
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I have a little problem about Stellar Flux. I've searched google and bing for info but to no avail. Please help me understand Stellar Flux.

Thanks, Epicall Rounder
 
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Offhand I would say it's what's known as "radiant flux", which is the total power emitted from a source.
 
First of all, let me just say that in my personal opinion the nomenclature related to starlight is needlessly complicated and in need of trimming.

Anyway, stellar flux is the energy of radiation emitted by the star passing every second through a unit area. It is usually measured in a given band of EM radiation.

It's the same as radiative flux density or radiation flux if taken over all wavelengths and the same as irradiance if the area is a surface area.
If summed over a spherical area encompassing the source it gives the total power (luminosity) of the source. Luminosity over all bands is called bolometric luminosity.

Stellar flux features in the calculations for apparent magnitude, since what you're comparing there is how much energy arrives per unit time from stars at the surface of the Earth (i.e., how bright they look) versus reference flux.

I hope I got that right.Now this seems kinda relevant:
 
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There are (closed) threads here at PF and much to be googled on Flux of Solar Wind. So there could some ambiguity with the term stellar in the OP question.
 

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