Astronomy & space · University
Magnitude difference from a flux ratio · formula reference
The fluxes must refer to the same measurement band and calibration convention.
Formula
The fluxes must refer to the same measurement band and calibration convention.
m₂ − m₁ = −2.5 log₁₀(F₂/F₁)
Worked example
Source 2 has 52 times the flux of source 1 in the same band. Find m₂−m₁. Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed.
Use −2.5 log₁₀(52); the brighter source has the smaller magnitude.
-4.29
Prerequisites and checking
Algebra and the topic definitions. Keep units and rounding consistent. State the model conditions before applying the formula.
Further reading and review references
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