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.

Apparent magnitude (mag)Distance (pc)

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 Hertzsprung–Russell Diagram

Knowledge connections

Associated withThe Hertzsprung–Russell Diagram

Sources

Facts on this topic will be cited from these primary and reference sources.

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.

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Absolute Magnitude

Worked example

Highlights

The physics behind it

Knowledge connections

Sources

Absolute Magnitude

Worked example

Highlights

The physics behind it

Knowledge connections

Sources