Distance indicator · Secondary rung
Surface Brightness Fluctuations
A distance method that uses the graininess of a galaxy's light: because a nearer galaxy resolves into fewer, brighter patches of unresolved stars per pixel, the amount of pixel-to-pixel fluctuation measures distance. Best suited to smooth elliptical galaxies and the bulges of spirals.
Methods, objects & facilities
Knowledge connections
- Associated withThe Cosmic Distance Ladder
- Associated withElliptical Galaxy
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.