Photometry & distance · M = m − 5 log₁₀(d / 10 pc)
Absolute Magnitude
A star's intrinsic brightness — the apparent magnitude it would have at a standard distance of 10 parsecs. Removes distance so stars can be compared on equal footing.
Absolute magnitude5mag
Formula: M = m − 5 log₁₀(d / 10 pc)
Worked example
With the default inputs, absolute magnitude evaluates to 5 mag — m = 5 at 10 pc → M = 5. The validator recomputes this against the known value on every build, so the formula is checked, not asserted.
Highlights
- ›m = 5 at 10 pc → M = 5
The physics behind it
Knowledge connections
- Associated withThe Hertzsprung–Russell Diagram
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.