A flux is the amount of light collected on a square meter. Quantitatively, a flux is a measure of a fifth root
of 100 or 2.51. This number is equal to 1 magnitude. This could be considered a standard number.
So, a magnitude 2 = 2.51 x 2.51 or 2.51 squared. Mag 3 = 2.51 x 2.51 x 2.51 or 2.51 cubed. For mag
numbers higher, use a scientific calculator with an exponent key of xy. Type 2.51, exponent key, then
number of mags given. This gives how many times brighter or less bright a star is.
To calculate how many times brighter is star A than star B. Let's say the difference in magnitude is 6.32.
On a scientific calculator, key 2.51, xy exponent key, then 6.32. Rounded, it's 336, so star A is 336 times
brighter than star B.
To calculate the difference in magnitudes, star A is from star B. Let's say star A is 24.2 times brighter
than star B. What is the difference in magnitude? Use a scientific calculator. Key 2.5, key log, key the
number representing how many times brighter. 2.5 log 24.2= 3.46 magnitude difference.
Question 1
1. How many times brighter is star A than star B when the mag difference is 2?