If the apparent visual magnitude of star A is 3.1, and the apparent visual magnitude of star B is 0.5, how do star A and star B compare in terms of apparent brightness as seen from Earth?
A) Star A is fainter than star B.
B) Star A is much brighter than star B.
C) Star A is about the same brightness as star B.
D) Star A is only slightly brighter than star B.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The apparent magnitude scale is such that lower numbers indicate brighter objects, so a star with a magnitude of 0.5 (star B) is brighter than one with a magnitude of 3.1 (star A).

If the Apparent Visual Magnitude of Star a Is 3