Rigel has an apparent magnitude of + 0.18 and Betelgeuse an apparent magnitude of +0.45. What can you conclude from this?
A) Rigel is brighter than Betelgeuse.
B) Betelgeuse must be closer to Earth.
C) Betelgeuse is brighter than Rigel.
D) Rigel must be closer to Earth.
E) Both stars are brighter than the full moon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the apparent magnitude scale, a lower number indicates a brighter object. Since Rigel has a lower apparent magnitude (+0.18) than Betelgeuse (+0.45), it means Rigel is brighter as seen from Earth.

Rigel Has an Apparent Magnitude of + 0