Definition of absolute magnitude in US English:
absolute magnitude
nounˈˌæbsəˈˌl(j)ut ˈmæɡnəˌt(j)ud
Astronomy The magnitude (brightness) of a celestial object as it would be seen at a standard distance of 10 parsecs.
Compare with apparent magnitude
Example sentencesExamples
- As shown in the preceding section, the spread process is much more volatile relative to the absolute magnitude of the spread.
- From the time period, determine the star's actual brightness, also called the absolute magnitude.
- Relative risk indicates the relative size of the difference in disease rates between two groups, but it gives no indication of the absolute magnitude of the disease rates.
- An award… shall be presented annually to the amateur astronomer who, using amateur equipment only, discovers the largest absolute magnitude new asteroid having a near-Earth orbit during the preceding calendar year.
- Their absolute magnitude is that of their appearance at 10 parsecs, or 32.6 light-years.
Synonyms
brightness, brilliance, radiance, luminosity