MadSci Network: Astronomy
Query:

Re: Why are some stars always brighter than others?

Date: Tue Mar 16 15:47:06 1999
Posted By: Richard T. De Van, Owner, PeregrineWest Internet Publications
Area of science: Astronomy
ID: 921613086.As
Message:

Dear Brandy:

The brightness of a star as seen from Earth is called the apparent 
magnitude.  It is a function of the actual brightness (how much light a 
star emits, like a light bulb) and the star's distance from Earth.  As seen 
from Earth, a very distant star that is putting out a lot of light may 
appear brighter than a nearby star that is emitting less light.

The brightness of a star is not at all influenced by humans, but there are 
many stories and myths from different cultures that relate to the light of 
the stars.  In some Native American legends it is said that the bright 
stars along the Milky Way are the camp fires of the recently deceased as 
they make their way to the afterworld.   One currently popular Country song 
suggests the stars are "holes in the floor of heaven" that the angels can  
look through.   These are great stories, and a very important part of our 
culture.  However, they should not be confused with the scientific 
explanations.

Best Regards, 

Rick De Van
rdevan@rtd1.com
http://www.rtd1.com


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