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Brightness

Brightness

Star cluster NGC6496 — The star cluster NGC6496
Credit:ESA/Hubble & NASA

Stellar Magnitude

Stars vary in brightness - Pleiades Star Cluster
Credit: HST/NASA

Light is the main signal we get from space. It is therefore important to be able to measure the brightness of stars and galaxies.

Standard Candles

Standard candles are used to
calculate relative distances.
Credit: Wikimedia (user Bangin)

Luminosity

All stars are luminous - V838 Monocerotis
Credit: NASA, ESA and H.E. Bond (STScI)

A luminous object is one that gives off light. In other words, it glows (or shines).

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