Changes

The apparent magnitude that a [[Star|star]] would possess if it were a distance of 10 parsecs from [[Earth|Earth.]] In this way, ''absolute'' magnitude provides a direct comparison of the brightness of [[Star|stars.]] A [[Star|star’s]] luminosity and its distance from [[Earth]] provide the basis for its apparent magnitude. If all [[Star|stars]] were the same distance from [[Earth|Earth,]] then their apparent magnitudes would only be dependent on their luminosities. Therefore, '''absolute magnitudes''' are true indicators of the amount of [[Light|light]] each [[Star|star]] emits. The value is lower, even into the negatives, for objects that appear brighter, and higher for objects that appear dimmer. '''Absolute magnitude''' is usually measured through the visible spectrum. However, it can be measured through the entire spectrum. Absolute visual magnitude, through the visible spectrum, is abbreviated as '''''Mv.''''' Compare "Apparent Magnitude," below.