apparent magnitude

noun

, Astronomy.

1. the magnitude of a star as it appears to an observer on the earth.

apparent magnitude

noun

1. another name for magnitude

apparent magnitude

1. See under magnitude

Word History and Origins

Origin of apparent magnitude¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The company says it is planning to use anti-reflective materials on its next-generation satellites, as well as certain flight manoeuvres to reduce the crafts’ apparent magnitude.

From Scientific American

Still, there have been leaks before, though not of the apparent magnitude of the document posted by Politico.

From Seattle Times

The apparent magnitude of Frelimo’s win was criticized by some independent analysts.

From Seattle Times

One lucky observer in Baileys Crossroads recorded the meteor as being a minus-10 for “apparent magnitude.”

From Washington Post

To put that into perspective, higher apparent magnitude numbers mean fainter objects.

From National Geographic