If you gaze up into the sky on a clear, cloudless night, you will be greeted by a multitude of stars. The sheer abundance of stars makes it almost impossible to quantify them all. Interestingly, only the celestial bodies that are visible to the naked eye are taken into account. There are approximately 6,000 of these stars, encompassing both the northern and southern hemispheres of our planet. If we were to be situated in the northern hemisphere, for instance, we would be able to observe roughly half of this total, amounting to around 3 thousand stars.
Countless winter constellations
Regrettably, observing all the countless stars in the sky is nearly unattainable due to the need for ideal atmospheric transparency and complete absence of any artificial light sources. Even if one finds oneself in a secluded, open area far from urban brightness on a crisp winter night. Why winter? Because summer nights are significantly brighter! This is due to the sun’s proximity to the horizon. Nevertheless, even under these circumstances, the human eye can only perceive around 2.5-3 thousand stars. Why is this so?
The key idea is that the human eye’s pupil, when considered as an optical device, gathers a specific amount of light from various sources. In this case, the sources of light are stars. The number of stars visible to us is directly influenced by the diameter of the optical device’s lens. Naturally, the lens of a telescope or binoculars has a larger diameter compared to the eye’s pupil. As a result, it can gather more light, allowing for the observation of a significantly greater number of stars using astronomical instruments.
Hipparchus’ Perspective on the Night Sky
Undoubtedly, you have observed the varying brightness of stars, or as astronomers say, their apparent brilliance. This phenomenon was also noticed by people in ancient times. The renowned Greek astronomer Hipparchus categorized all visible celestial luminaries into six stellar magnitudes. The most brilliant stars were classified as category I, while the least expressive ones were categorized as category VI. The remaining stars were divided into intermediate classes.
Later on, it was discovered that different stellar magnitudes have a certain algorithmic relationship with each other. The difference in brightness, perceived by our eyes as equal distances, follows a specific pattern. Consequently, it was established that a category I star is approximately 2.5 times brighter than a category II star.
In terms of brightness, class II stars are brighter than class III stars by the same amount as class III stars are brighter than class IV stars. This means that there is a difference of 100 in luminosity between stars of magnitude I and magnitude VI. Therefore, stars in the VII category are too faint to be seen by the naked eye. It is worth noting that stellar magnitude does not refer to the physical size of a star, but rather its apparent brightness.
What is the definition of absolute stellar magnitude?
Stellar magnitudes are not only apparent, but also absolute. This term is used when there is a need to compare the luminosity of two stars. This is achieved by placing each star at a standardized distance of 10 parsecs. In simpler terms, absolute stellar magnitude refers to the magnitude a star would have if it were positioned 10 parsecs away from the observer.
The Most Brilliant Celestial Bodies
Each celestial body possesses its own unique apparent luminosity. Some stars shine slightly brighter than those classified as first magnitude, while others are much dimmer. To account for these variations, fractional magnitudes have been introduced. For instance, if a star’s apparent magnitude falls between category I and II, it is classified as a 1.5 magnitude star. There are also stars with magnitudes of 2.3, 4.7, and so on. One such example is Procyon, a member of the Lesser Dog constellation located along the celestial equator. In Russia, Procyon is best observed during the months of January or February. Its apparent luminosity measures at 0.4.
It is important to note that its brightness is a multiple of 0. There is only one star that closely matches this – Vega, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra. Its brightness is approximately 0.03 star magnitude. However, there are stars that are even brighter, but their brightness is represented by negative values. For instance, Sirius can be seen in both hemispheres simultaneously. Its brightness is represented by a magnitude of -1.5 stars.
Not only stars, but also other celestial objects such as the Sun, Moon, some planets, comets, and space stations are assigned negative stellar magnitudes. However, there are certain stars that have the ability to alter their luminosity. These stars include pulsating stars, which have varying amplitudes of luminosity, as well as stars that exhibit multiple pulsations simultaneously.
Measuring the Brightness of Stars
In the field of astronomy, the majority of distances are quantified using a geometric scale known as stellar magnitudes. The photometric approach is employed to determine distant distances and to compare the luminosity of an object to its apparent luminosity. Generally, the distance to nearby stars is established through their annual parallax, which is the major semi-axis of the ellipse. Future space satellites will enhance the visual precision of images by severalfold. Regrettably, for distances exceeding 50-100 PC, alternative techniques are currently utilized.
Exploring the Vastness of Space
In ancient times, every celestial entity and planet were significantly smaller in size. For instance, our Earth was once comparable in size to Venus and, in an even earlier era, it resembled Mars in size. Billions of years in the past, the entire surface of our planet was covered by a solid continental crust. As time went on, the Earth expanded, causing the continental plates to separate and create vast oceans.
With the arrival of the galactic winter, the temperature, luminosity, and stellar magnitude of all stars experienced an increase. The mass of celestial bodies, such as the Sun, also grew over time. However, this growth was far from uniform.
As the Sun grew, so did the entire solar system. Regrettably, not all stars can navigate this course. Numerous stars will vanish into the abyss of other, more massive stars. These celestial luminaries revolve around the galaxy and, as they gradually draw closer to the central point, they implode into one of the nearby stars.
A galaxy is a massive stellar-planetary formation that developed from a small galaxy that originated from a smaller cluster that originated from a multiple planetary system. Nevertheless, the latter originated from a system similar to our own.
The size of stars and its limitations
It is common knowledge that the clarity and darkness of the sky directly affect the number of stars and meteors visible to the naked eye. The limiting stellar magnitude, which determines the dimmest star visible, depends not only on the sky’s transparency but also on the observer’s visual acuity. Each individual may have a different threshold for perceiving faint stars, with some only able to spot them on the horizon using peripheral vision. It is important to note that this criterion is subjective and varies from person to person. In comparison, observing stars through a telescope differs primarily in terms of the instrument used and the size of its objective lens.
The capacity of a telescope with a photographic plate to magnify enables the detection of faint stars. In contemporary telescopes, it is feasible to observe objects with luminosities ranging from 26 to 29 star magnitudes. The ability of the instrument to penetrate depends on various additional factors. The quality of the images, in particular, plays a crucial role.
The size of the star’s image is directly influenced by the atmospheric conditions, the focal length of the lens, the photographic emulsion, and the duration of exposure. However, the most significant factor is the star’s brightness.
We refer to someone who has attained a certain level of success in their business, reaching the pinnacle of achievement in a particular field. The phrase star of the first magnitude originates from a direct comparison with the classification of astronomical objects.
When observing the night sky, it becomes apparent to the naked eye that stars vary in brightness, or apparent brilliance. This concept includes the idea of stellar magnitude, which was first defined and categorized by the ancient Greek astronomer Hipparchus in the 2nd century BC. Stellar magnitude is a dimensionless numerical measurement of an object’s brightness. Hipparchus divided all stars into six different magnitudes, with the brightest being referred to as first magnitude stars, and the dimmest as sixth magnitude stars. The remaining magnitudes were evenly distributed among the other stars.
Later, using Hipparchus’ work and his own observations of the night sky, Ptolemy compiled a star catalog that was utilized by scientists and astronomers for over a millennium. Ptolemy maintained Hipparchus’ classification of stellar brightness, organizing stars based on their luminosity, or apparent brilliance. The apparent brilliance does not convey any other specific characteristics of a star, as it depends not only on the star’s size, but also on its distance from Earth and other optical parameters.
When used to describe individuals, the phrase a star of the first magnitude characterizes a person as a prominent figure in their business, field of knowledge, art, and so on. The word star in this context emphasizes the exceptional abilities or knowledge possessed by the individual.
Other intriguing expressions from Russian language:
Memorized by heart – this expression is familiar to everyone from their school days. To know something
The expression “an eye for an eye” is quite straightforward and comprehensible, much like Newton’s third law. It signifies
One of the main theories regarding the origin of the expression If the mountain won’t come to Mohammed,
it is highly likely that the expression There’s still some fight left in the dog originated
One final story to share, and my narrative comes to a close.
Even individuals who are not closely involved in the field of astronomy are aware that stars possess varying levels of brightness. The most luminous stars can be easily seen in a sky illuminated by city lights, while the least luminous stars are barely discernible even under ideal viewing conditions.
In order to describe the brightness of stars and other celestial objects (such as planets, meteors, the Sun, and the Moon), scientists have established a system of stellar magnitudes.
The term visible stellar magnitude (often simply referred to as “stellar magnitude”) refers to the amount of radiation flux detected by an observer, i.e., the perceived brightness of a celestial source, which is influenced not only by the actual radiative power of the object but also by its distance from the observer.
It is a dimensionless astronomical measurement that characterizes the level of illumination created by a celestial object in close proximity to the observer.
Illuminance refers to the measurement of light intensity on a small surface area in relation to its size.
In the International System of Units (SI), illuminance is measured in lux (1 lux = 1 lumen per square meter), while in GHS (centimeter-gram-second) it is measured in fot (one fot equals 10 000 lux).
The amount of illuminance is directly influenced by the luminous intensity of the light source. As the distance between the source and the illuminated surface increases, the illuminance decreases in proportion to the square of the distance (according to the law of inverse squares).
Subjectively, the perceived brilliance or brightness of a visible stellar magnitude depends on whether the source is a point source or an extended source.
When it comes to determining the brightness of a source, one common method is to compare it to the brightness of another source that is considered a standard. Typically, these standards are non-variable stars that have been carefully chosen.
The concept of stellar magnitude was initially used to measure the apparent brightness of stars in the visible light range. However, it was later expanded to include other ranges of radiation, such as infrared and ultraviolet.
Therefore, the apparent magnitude m or brightness of a star is a measurement of the amount of light E emitted by a source and received by a surface that is perpendicular to the rays at the location of observation.
Historically, this concept originated more than 2,000 years ago when the ancient Greek astronomer and mathematician Hipparchus (2nd century BC) categorized the stars visible to the naked eye into six magnitudes.
Hipparchus assigned the first magnitude to the brightest stars, and the faintest stars, which were barely visible to the naked eye, were given the sixth magnitude. The remaining stars were evenly distributed among the intermediate magnitudes. Furthermore, Hipparchus designed the division of stellar magnitudes in such a way that stars of the first magnitude appeared significantly brighter than those of the second magnitude, just as they appeared brighter than stars of the third magnitude, and so on. In other words, the brightness of the stars changed by the same degree from one magnitude to the next.
As it later transpired, the relationship between such a magnitude and actual physical quantities is logarithmic, as the eye perceives a change in brightness by the same ratio as a change in quantity – the Weber-Fechner’s empirical psychophysiological law. This law states that the intensity of sensation is directly proportional to the logarithm of the stimulus intensity.
This phenomenon is tied to the characteristics of human perception. For instance, if we sequentially illuminate 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 identical light bulbs in a chandelier, it appears to us that the illumination in the room is consistently increasing by the same amount. In other words, the number of light bulbs turned on must increase by the same ratio (in this case, twice) in order for us to perceive a constant increase in brightness.
The formula E = k log P + a, (1) expresses the logarithmic relationship between the strength of sensation E and the physical intensity of the stimulus P. The constants k and a are determined by the specific sensory system in question.
In the 19th century, the English astronomer Norman Pogson introduced a scale of stellar magnitudes that incorporated the psychophysiological law of vision.
Through careful observation, Pogson postulated that the logarithmic dependence of sensation strength on stimulus intensity can be represented by the formula mentioned above.
A star with a magnitude of one is exactly 100 times brighter than a star with a magnitude of six.
Therefore, based on equation (1), the apparent magnitude of a star is determined by the following equation:
m = -2.5 lg E + a, (2)
Where 2.5 is the Pogson coefficient and the negative sign is a convention to reflect the historical tradition that brighter stars have smaller (including negative) magnitudes. The parameter “a” represents the zero-point of the magnitude scale and is determined by international agreement.
If E 1 and E 2 correspond to magnitudes m 1 and m 2 , then it can be deduced from equation (2) that:
When the stellar magnitude decreases by one unit (m1 – m2 = 1), the illuminance increases by a factor of approximately 2.512. In the case of a difference of m1 – m2 = 5, which corresponds to a range from the 1st to the 6th stellar magnitude, the illuminance will change by a factor of E2 / E1 = 100.
Pogson’s formula, in its classical form, defines the correlation between the apparent stellar magnitudes:
m 2 – m 1 = -2.5 (lgE 2 – lgE 1) (4)
This equation enables us to calculate the difference between stellar magnitudes, but it does not provide the actual values of the magnitudes themselves.
In order to establish an absolute scale, it is necessary to define the zero point – the luminosity that corresponds to a stellar magnitude of zero (0 m). Initially, the luminosity of Vega was chosen as the zero point. Although the zero point has since been redefined, Vega still serves as a reference for zero apparent stellar magnitude in visual observations. According to the modern system, in the V band of the UBV system, Vega has a luminosity of +0.03 m, which is practically indistinguishable from zero to the naked eye.
Typically, the zero point of the stellar magnitude scale is determined by a set of stars that undergo careful photometry using various methods.
Moreover, an illuminance of 0 m is specifically measured, with a value equal to the energy value E=2.48*10 -8 W/m². This illuminance is commonly used by astronomers during their observations and is then converted into stellar magnitudes.
This practice is not only done because it is more common, but also because the concept of stellar magnitude has proven to be incredibly convenient.
The concept of stellar magnitude has proven to be extremely useful.
Measuring luminosity in watts per square meter can be quite cumbersome: for the Sun, the value is high, while for faint stars observed through a telescope, the value is very low. On the other hand, working with stellar magnitudes is much simpler as the logarithmic scale allows for easy representation of a wide range of magnitude values.
The Pogsonian formalization later became the widely accepted approach to estimating stellar magnitudes.
Nevertheless, the contemporary scale is not restricted to only six stellar magnitudes or the visible spectrum. Objects of immense brightness can possess a negative stellar magnitude. Take, for instance, Sirius, which holds the title of the brightest star in the celestial sphere, boasting a stellar magnitude of -1.47 m. Furthermore, the modern scale permits us to assign values to both the Moon and the Sun: a full Moon attains a stellar magnitude of -12.6 m, while the Sun possesses a stellar magnitude of -26.8 m. Moreover, the Hubble orbiting telescope has the capability to observe objects with a luminosity of approximately 31.5 m.
Revised Scale of Stellar Magnitudes
(the scale is reversed: smaller values correspond to brighter objects)
Visible Stellar Magnitudes of Certain Celestial Bodies
The Sun: -26.73
The Moon (at full moon): -12.74
Venus (at its maximum luminosity): -4.67
Jupiter (at its maximum luster): -2.91
Sirius: -1.44
Vega: 0.03
The faintest stars that can be seen with the naked eye: about 6.0
The Sun as seen from 100 light years away: 7.30.
Proxima Centauri: 11.05.
The brightest quasar: 12.9
The faintest objects captured by the Hubble telescope: 31.5
A person who has achieved great fame and recognition in a particular field of knowledge or activity is often referred to as a first magnitude star. One such individual is Medvedeva, who is not only known as an artist but also for her significant contribution to the history of the Maly Theater. Medvedeva is credited with discovering, recognizing, and bringing to the theater a star of the highest caliber – Yermolova. This noteworthy achievement is well-known among theater enthusiasts and has solidified Medvedeva’s reputation as a true luminary in the industry. (T. Shchepkina-Kupernik. Theater in my life).
The Russian Literary Language Phraseological Dictionary. – M.: Astrel, AST. A. I. Fedorov. 2008.
Explore alternative definitions of “Star of the first magnitude” in various sources:
Glorious – A term used in the Dictionary of Russian synonyms and expressions similar in meaning, edited by N. Abramov, Moscow: Russian Dictionaries, 1999. This term is considered a synonym for “star of the first magnitude”.
First magnitude star – This term is borrowed from astronomy. It originated from the ancient Greek scientists Hipparchus (II century BC) and Claudius Ptolemy (c. 90 c. 160), who categorized all visible stars into six “magnitudes” based on their brightness. This term is found in the Dictionary of Winged Words and Expressions.
Star of the first magnitude – This term is used in a book, and it can have an approving, humorous, or ironic connotation. It refers to an outstanding figure, master, or specialist in a particular field. It can be found in FSRYA, 172, and BMS 1998, 204.
star – Observe famous, magnificent, fate far away, like a star in the sky, a guiding star. Dictionary of Russian Synonyms and Phrases with Similar Meanings. ed. by N. Abramov, Moscow: Russian Dictionaries, 1999. star (celestial) luminary, star, beacon of the universe, … … … Dictionary of Synonyms
star – star, m. stars, g. 1. A celestial body made up of glowing gases (plasma), similar in nature to the Sun and appearing as a bright point in the night sky to the human eye. Polaris. Evening star. The air was cool and … … … Small Academic Dictionary
star – s, v.; u/; m. stars, stars, stars, stars; g. see also stellar, stvezdochka 1) a) A self-luminous celestial body, similar in nature to the Sun and visible as a bright point in the night sky. Polaris/. A cluster of stars … Dictionary of Many Expressions
STAR – Up to white stars. Pribaik. A long, late night. SNFP, 70. The stars from the sky is not enough who. Razg. Iron. or Pseudo. Of an inconsiderate, incapable, untalented person. FSRYA, 172; BMS 1998, 204; BTS, 1440. To grab the stars. Bashk. Of stains on one’s clothes. SRGB 1, … … … Big Dictionary of Russian Proverbs
Star – A star is a self-luminous celestial body similar in nature to the Sun and visible in the night sky as a bright dot. It is also known as Polaris and can be seen in a cluster with other stars. Stars are known for their brilliance and can light up, shine, and twinkle. They are often referred to as the stars of the first order. This information can be found in the Encyclopedic Dictionary
STAR – A star is a celestial body, a glowing ball of gas, that is visible at night as a luminous point. The stars are illuminated and can be seen in the night sky. A polar star is a star of the first magnitude, which means it is the brightest. It is also known as the North Star or Polaris. According to Ozhegov’s Explanatory Dictionary, a star is a feminine noun in the Russian language.
Wolf’s star – Rye – A Wolf Raye star is an artistic depiction of a star called Wolf Raye. Wolf Raye stars are a specific class of stars that are characterized by their very high temperature and luminosity. They are different from other hot stars because they have broad bands of hydrogen emission in their spectrum. This information can be found on Wikipedia.
Books
- Supporting Star, Georgy Lansky. Marina arrived in Moscow with dreams of pursuing a career in music. It’s not easy to make it in the big city, but this determined girl from the provinces refuses to give up and is willing to fight her way to fame. Especially since there’s a bright future ahead of her…
Get the book now and enjoy the thrilling story of Marina’s journey to stardom. Payment can be made in easy installments, without any involvement of banks or unnecessary fees. No need for references or answering any questions!
Simply fill out the form within 1 minute and reduce your payment by 50 times. Find out more about this incredible offer.
A shining celestial body, it is visible to the naked eye in residential areas
For more details regarding the quantity of stars of the 5th magnitude, please refer to the page “How many stars are visible in the sky”
Of course, nothing can compare to the sheer joy of witnessing your very own star in person! However, this calls for a nocturnal excursion to the countryside, which requires thorough preparation in advance!
We have compiled a set of guidelines outlining the specific attributes that the equipment should possess, and if you opt to observe your star in the nighttime sky, we can furnish you with it, along with a collection of accompanying documents.
Therefore, if you have made up your mind to present a Star as a gift, you have at least a year, until the next commemorative day, to procure the necessary observation equipment!
However, please be aware that even with powerful telescopes, the views of the astronomical landscapes may not be as clear and breathtaking as those depicted on our website or in the photos of your star. These images are captured using long exposure times and often taken over hours using telescopes positioned in orbit around the Earth. This is why the views from the ground may appear quite different!
However, if you choose to purchase a gift set of papers today, you will also have the option to buy a professional photograph of your star!
If you decide to order a photograph, we will select a star for you that is situated in a scenic location, such as near a galaxy or a nebula. The recipient of this gift will immediately see and appreciate the magnitude of the Gift you have given them!
What is the number of stars visible to the naked eye in the sky?
We have conducted a thorough count and have discovered the precise answer! It appears that many individuals were mistaken!
Often, it is stated that there are countless stars in the Universe. However, there is an important detail to consider – this is true in theory, but in practice, a person can only observe a minuscule fraction of them.
Currently, there are over 8 billion people on Earth. If a star in the sky were named after each person, according to UN estimates, we would have run out of stars that can be named around 1820, which was 200 years ago!
A table containing a comprehensive calculation based on data from the US Naval Observatory star catalogs USNO and ICHB confirms this fact!
What is the quantity of 5th magnitude stars visible over your city?
Learn more.
The naked eye can perceive the star,
and in addition to a star photograph, we have the ability to provide you with a star chart.
It is a comprehensive guide that displays the exact position of your star within the celestial sphere.
Join the eternity
We all understand that it is practically impossible to pluck a star from the sky, but sometimes, we yearn to make a romantic and incredibly generous gesture. Often, for our loved ones, we are willing to go to great lengths to turn their dreams into reality!
A Star Certificate grants its recipient the opportunity to name a star after themselves and receive official documents confirming that the chosen celestial body will forever bear their name.
Imagine being able to point to a single star among the few visible ones, knowing that it shines just for you! When you step outside in the evening, you can spot it among the other stars with the naked eye and feel the connection between eternity and yourself!
You will have the opportunity to share it with your children, grandchildren, relatives, friends, and colleagues in the future.
Furthermore, you have now become an integral part of mankind’s everlasting legacy in the realm of space exploration!
The Symbolism of the Number “5”
The number “5” holds great significance as a universal symbol representing man and his five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
Furthermore, the five-pointed star, similar to the pentagram, carries profound meaning. When positioned upright, it symbolizes holistic individuality, divine inspiration, and spiritual enlightenment. Conversely, when turned downward, it represents witchcraft and black magic.
Moreover, the number “5” embodies concepts such as meditation, dynamism, and versatility. It is also closely associated with love, well-being, sensuality, strength, natural growth, and the heart.
In Jewish culture, the number “5” symbolizes power, intelligence, and seriousness.
In the Islamic faith, the number “5” carries significant meaning and serves as a protective symbol.
Representing the Prophet Muhammad, the star of 5 magnitude holds great significance.
The star and crescent are widely recognized symbols of Islam. The star in the Islam symbol ☪ 5 represents a finite aspect. The Muslim Encyclopedia provides an interpretation for the presence of these familiar symbols in religious contexts: the illuminated crescent moon and star guided the Prophet Muhammad on his secret journey from Mecca to Medina. As a result, the crescent moon symbolizes Muslims’ adherence to the lunar calendar, while the five-pointed star represents the five daily prayers or the five pillars of Islam. Muslims firmly believe that their faith is built upon five pillars: faith, prayer, pilgrimage, charity, and fasting.
In Hinduism, the number five represents the various divisions of the world, the five elements in both subtle and physical forms, and the five primary colors and senses.
In Buddhism, the heart is associated with four cardinal directions, which, when combined with the center, make up the number five, symbolizing universality.
In Chinese culture, the number “5” holds great significance as it represents the center of the world. Its symbolic portrayal in the world includes the five elements, musical tones, basic tastes, atmospheric substances, five poisons, powerful elements, virtues (compassion, loyalty, adherence to rituals, wisdom, trust), five dedications, eternal ideals, and five types of interpersonal relationships.
In Japan, the number five is seen as a symbol of perfection.
The concept of risk is also associated with the number “5” and is often linked to the accumulation of experience. It can bring both happiness and unpredictability.
Illustrated by the image of a person with their head, arms outstretched and legs spread apart, creating a pentagram shape.
Numerology, Astrology, and Astronomy
Numerology and Astrology have a close connection. Numerology can be considered as the mathematical language of esoteric knowledge, which was extensively utilized in Astrology during ancient times.
Astrology and Astronomy are like twin sisters. They emerged around the same era in ancient times and have been accompanying each other ever since. However, this doesn’t prevent them from frequently bickering and dividing the celestial expanse above us.
When people gaze upon the grand and infinite skies, they can’t help but believe that the stars have an influence on their earthly destinies.
Throughout the ages, our predecessors have diligently observed the celestial bodies, unveiling numerous revelations, documenting fascinating occurrences, and uncovering their practical implications. However, as time progressed, their paths diverged, and Astronomy emerged as a rival to its celestial counterpart. Despite the scientists’ persistent criticism and debunking of astrological myths, there are still those who remain intrigued by the prospect of consulting their horoscope.
It is challenging to fathom that the vastness of the Universe would have no impact on our minuscule planet Earth.
Hence, Astrology delves into the effects of celestial bodies on our living world and on each individual. Through this study, attempts are made to foresee the future by observing the movements of stars, the Sun, and the planets. Naturally, religion, mythology, psychology, and even magic also play a role alongside “pure” Astronomy. This field of science has flourished for countless millennia and continues to attract new enthusiasts in our modern era.
Interestingly enough, it was Astronomy that originated from Astrology, rather than the other way around. During the Middle Ages, Astronomy itself evolved into a more precise and mathematically oriented science. It was at this time that Astrology was separated from Astronomy due to its inability to be explained by logic alone.
Stellar Symbols
The star, a timeless emblem revered by all nations, holds a place among the celestial signs. Throughout history, the star has represented eternity and later came to symbolize lofty aspirations and everlasting ideals. By the late 18th century, it had also become a token of good fortune, with the phrase “born under a lucky star” gaining popularity. The motto “Ad aspera!” (“To the stars!”) embodies the pursuit of the sublime and the ideal.
The pentagram, or five-pointed star, is an ancient symbol that signifies protection and security. It has its origins in the ancient East and holds considerable significance as one of the oldest symbols known to mankind.
Throughout history, the significance of the symbol with five rays has been to safeguard its owner and serve as a charm for prosperity. It combines the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit.
The Pythagoreans viewed it as a representation of eternal youth and good health. In alchemy, it symbolizes the human body with two arms, two legs, and a head. In occult practices, it is a symbol of protection and security, a powerful talisman against evil forces, known as the legendary key of Solomon. In Christianity, it serves as an emblem of the five wounds of the crucified Christ.
Medieval philosophers believed that the pentagram, unlike the hexagram, is indivisible and cannot be broken down into multiple shapes. This signifies the stability of a “unipolar” world and represents the triumph of goodness and truth.
In ancient times, the pentagram was also seen as a representation of the world’s beauty, as it is derived from the “golden ratio”, which embodies the harmonious proportions found in nature.
During the medieval period, it was believed that the image of this star, along with the hidden 72-letter name of God, was engraved on military shields and brought victory to the owners in battle.
The red five-pointed star serves as the emblem of the Soviet Armed Forces, symbolizing revolutionary ideals and the unity of workers across nations, in addition to the motto “Proletarians of all countries, unite!”.
Every star has a brightness that is 2.5 times greater than the star before it.
There is a difference of approximately 100 times in brightness between any five magnitudes.
Origin of Stellar Magnitudes: A Historical Perspective
It is important to acknowledge that the brightness of celestial objects, particularly stars, is quantified using a unique system known as “stellar magnitudes.”
The development and establishment of this mathematical system can be attributed to the specific characteristics of human vision: while the intensity of a light source changes exponentially, our perception of it evolves linearly.
Centuries ago, the Greek astronomer Hipparchus (before 161 – after 126 BC) achieved the classification of all the stars that can be seen by the human eye into 6 categories based on their brightness. He referred to the brightest stars as 1st magnitude stars, while the dimmest stars were labeled as 6th magnitude stars. Further investigations later revealed that the light intensities emitted by 1st magnitude stars are approximately 100 times stronger than those emitted by 6th magnitude stars, as stated in Hipparchus’ research.
Difference in brightness levels of magnitudes
To be more precise, it was previously assumed that a difference of 5 stellar magnitudes corresponded exactly to a ratio of light fluxes of 1:100. At present, we can confidently state that a difference in brightness of 1 star magnitude fully corresponds to the ratio of luminosity. Over time, this classification system of celestial bodies has undergone significant improvements, resulting in a number of changes that have finalized the works of the ancient scientist. For instance, a star of the first magnitude is now known to be 2.512 times brighter than a star of the second magnitude, which in turn is 2.512 times brighter than a star of the third magnitude, and so on.
The difference in brightness between any 5 magnitudes is calculated as follows:
2.512 x 2.512 x 2.512 x 2.512 x 2.512 x 2.512 = 100 times.
This particular scale has a wide range of applications and can effectively quantify the illuminance emitted by various light sources on the Earth’s surface.
Point of reference
For instance, the luminosity of the stars in the Dipper’s Bucket is approximately 2m, while Vega’s stars have a luminosity of around 0m. However, it doesn’t end there. In exceptionally bright celestial bodies, the stellar magnitude can be negative. For instance, Sirius has a magnitude of about -1.5m, which indicates that the amount of light emitted from it is four times greater than that of Vega. Moreover, Venus can have a magnitude as low as -5m for a few days each year, meaning that its light emission is almost 100 times greater than that of Vega. It’s important to note that the apparent stellar magnitude can be measured not only using a telescope, but also with the naked eye across various ranges of the spectrum, including visual, photographic, UV, and IR. In such cases, the apparent stellar magnitude is not specifically related to human vision.
Definition of Apparent Stellar Magnitude
The term “Apparent Stellar Magnitude” refers to the measure of radiation flux near a celestial object, commonly known as “stellar magnitude”. This measure determines the observed brightness of the celestial source we are observing, and it is influenced not only by the actual radiation power of the object but also by its distance from us.
It is interesting to note that the scale of apparent stellar magnitudes originated from the first star catalog created by Hipparchus around 126 BC. This catalog included all the stars visible to the human eye and classified them into six brightness classes.
Absolute stellar brightness
However, in order to make a comprehensive comparison of celestial bodies based on their true “brightness,” we utilize the concept of “absolute stellar magnitude.” This metric represents the apparent stellar magnitude that a given star would have if it were placed at a standard distance of 10 parsecs from Earth. To calculate the absolute magnitude (M) of a star with a parallax value (p) and apparent magnitude (m), we use the following formula. It’s worth noting that stellar magnitudes can also be used to describe the radiation emitted by our own star, the Sun, across different segments of its spectrum. For instance, the visual magnitude (mv) represents the Sun’s brightness in the yellow-green portion of its spectrum, while the photographic magnitude (mp) denotes its brightness in the blue segment, and so on. The difference between the visual and photographic color values is referred to as the “color index,” which is directly linked to the star’s temperature and spectrum.
A star is a celestial object where thermonuclear reactions are occurring or will occur. However, stars are usually referred to as celestial bodies where thermonuclear reactions are already happening.
For instance, let’s consider our Sun, which is a typical star belonging to the G spectral class (many people say “you are my Sun,” but who can provide evidence? Let’s give the Sun a name!). Stars are massive luminous balls of plasma gas. It is worth mentioning that they form from a gas-dust medium resulting from gravitational compression. Scientists indicate that the temperature of matter in the star’s interior can be measured in millions of kelvins, while on its surface, it is in the range of thousands of kelvins, which is several times lower. The majority of stars release energy through thermonuclear reactions that convert hydrogen into helium, occurring at extremely high temperatures within the inner regions of stars. It is also important to note that scientists often refer to celestial bodies as the primary components of our Universe, as they consist of the majority of luminous matter in nature. It is also intriguing that stars possess a negative heat capacity. The star closest to the Sun is Proxima Centauri, which remains relatively unknown to us. It is located 4.2 light years away from the center of our solar system (4.2 light years = 39 Pm = 39 trillion km = 3.9 x 10^13 km).
We talk about an individual who has achieved great success in their work, reaching the highest level of accomplishment in a particular field. The term “star of the first magnitude” originates from a direct comparison with the classification of celestial objects.
When observing the night sky, we can see that stars vary in brightness, or apparent brilliance. This concept is known as “stellar magnitude” and was first described and categorized by the ancient Greek astronomer Hipparchus in the 2nd century BC. Stellar magnitude is a dimensionless numerical characteristic that quantifies the brightness of an object. Hipparchus divided all stars into six magnitudes, with the brightest ones referred to as “first magnitude stars” and the dimmest as “sixth magnitude stars.” The intermediate magnitudes were evenly distributed among the remaining stars.
Based on Hipparchus’ works and his own studies of the night sky, Ptolemy compiled a star catalog that was used by scientists and astronomers for over a thousand years. In this catalog, Ptolemy maintained Hipparchus’ classification of stellar brightness, categorizing stars by their luminosity or apparent brilliance. The apparent brilliance of a star does not convey any other characteristics of the star itself, as it depends not only on the star’s size but also on its distance from Earth and other optical parameters.
When applied to humans, the expression “a star of the first magnitude” characterizes an individual as a prominent figure in their field of expertise, knowledge, or art. The word “star” in this context emphasizes the brilliant abilities or knowledge possessed by that person.
Other interesting expressions from Russian language:
“To know by heart” – this expression is familiar to everyone from school. “To know something tooth for tooth.”
The expression “tooth for tooth” is straightforward and easily understood, similar to Newton’s third law. It means that one should receive equal retaliation for any harm caused.
One of the main theories regarding the origin of the expression “If the mountain does not go to Mohammed” suggests that it was derived from
The expression “There’s still some powder in the keg” most likely originated from
One more, final story, and my chronicle is complete.
Even individuals who are not well-versed in astronomy are aware that stars possess varying degrees of brightness. The most brilliant stars are easily discernible in the illuminated night sky of a city, while the least luminous stars are scarcely perceptible under ideal observation conditions.
In order to quantify the brightness of stars and other celestial entities (such as planets, meteors, the Sun, and the Moon), scientists have devised a scale of stellar magnitudes.
Visible stellar magnitude (m; often referred to simply as “stellar magnitude”) denotes the amount of radiation flux in the vicinity of an observer, that is, the observed brightness of a celestial source, which is influenced not only by the actual radiative power of the object, but also by its distance.
This is a dimensionless astronomical parameter that characterizes the luminosity produced by a celestial object in close proximity to an observer.
Illuminance refers to the amount of light that falls on a small surface area in relation to its size.
In the International System of Units (SI), illuminance is measured in lux (1 lux = 1 lumen per square meter), while in the GHS (centimeter-gram-second) system, it is measured in foot-candles (one foot-candle equals 10,000 lux).
The level of illuminance is directly proportional to the luminous intensity of the light source. As the light source moves farther away from the illuminated surface, the illuminance decreases in inverse proportion to the square of the distance (according to the law of inverse squares).
The perceived brightness of a star, whether it is a point source or an extended source, is subjectively described as its brilliance or brightness.
When comparing the luminosity of one source with another as a reference, it is common to use specially selected non-variable stars. These standards are used to indicate the luminosity of a particular source.
Initially, stellar magnitude was used to measure the apparent luminosity of stars in the optical range. However, it was later expanded to include other ranges of radiation such as infrared and ultraviolet.
Consequently, the apparent brightness of a star, also known as its magnitude m or luminosity, can be quantified as the amount of light it emits onto a surface perpendicular to its rays at the location of observation.
Centuries ago, around 2,000 years in the past, the stars visible to the naked eye were classified into six magnitudes by the renowned ancient Greek astronomer and mathematician Hipparchus (2nd century BC).
Hipparchus designated the most brilliant stars as first magnitude, while the faintest stars, barely visible to the naked eye, were assigned the sixth magnitude. The remaining stars were evenly distributed among the intermediate magnitudes. Furthermore, Hipparchus formulated the system of stellar magnitudes in such a manner that stars of the first magnitude appeared significantly brighter than those of the second magnitude, just as they appeared brighter than those of the third magnitude, and so on. In essence, the brightness of the stars changed by the same degree from one gradation to the next.
It is related to the way humans perceive things, like when a chandelier has 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 identical bulbs that are lit one after another, it appears to us that the illumination in the room is constantly increasing by the same amount. This means that the number of bulbs that are switched on needs to be increased by the same factor (in this case, twice) for us to perceive a constant increase in brightness.
The formula that expresses the logarithmic relationship between the sensation strength E and the physical intensity of the stimulus P is:
E = k log P + a, (1)
where k and a represent constants that are determined by a specific sensory system.
During the 19th century, Norman Pogson, an astronomer from England, established a standardized system for measuring the brightness of stars. This system incorporated the principles of psychophysiology and visual perception.
By analyzing empirical data, Pogson proposed that
A star with a magnitude of one is exactly 100 times brighter than a star with a magnitude of six.
Therefore, based on equation (1), the apparent stellar magnitude can be determined using the following equation:
m = -2.5 lg E + a, (2)
In this equation, 2.5 represents the Pogson coefficient, and the negative sign is a historical convention (brighter stars have smaller, sometimes negative, magnitudes). The variable a represents the zero point of the stellar magnitude scale, which is established through international agreement and is related to the choice of the base point for measuring.
If E1 and E2 correspond to stellar magnitudes m1 and m2 respectively, then it can be deduced from equation (2) that:
E 2 /E 1 = 10 0.4(m 1 – m 2) (3)
When the difference in stellar magnitudes, m1 – m2, is decreased by 1, the illuminance E increases by a factor of approximately 2.512. If the difference in magnitudes is 5, which corresponds to a range from the 1st to the 6th stellar magnitude, the change in illuminance will be E 2 /E 1 =100.
Pogson’s formula, in its classical form, establishes the correlation between the apparent stellar magnitudes.
m 2 – m 1 = -2.5 (lgE 2 – lgE 1) (4)
This equation allows us to calculate the difference between two stellar magnitudes, but it does not give us the actual magnitudes themselves.
In order to establish an absolute scale, we need to define a reference point – the luminosity that corresponds to a stellar magnitude of zero (0 m). Initially, the luminosity of Vega was used as the zero point. Although the zero point has since been redefined, Vega still serves as a standard for zero apparent stellar magnitude in visual observations (in the V band of the UBV system, its luminosity is +0.03 m, which is practically zero to the naked eye).
Typically, the zero point of the stellar magnitude scale is determined by a set of stars that have undergone meticulous photometry using various methods.
Not only do they do it because “it is more usual”, but also because stellar magnitude has proven to be an incredibly convenient concept.
Stellar magnitude has proven to be an incredibly convenient concept
Measuring luminosity in watts per square meter is extremely cumbersome: the magnitude is large for the Sun and very small for faint telescopic stars. On the other hand, working with stellar magnitudes is much easier because the logarithmic scale is extremely convenient for displaying a wide range of magnitude values.
The Pogsonian formalization subsequently became the standard method for estimating stellar magnitude.
Indeed, the contemporary scale is no longer confined to six stellar magnitudes or solely visible light. Negative stellar magnitudes are possible for extremely bright objects. For instance, Sirius, which is the most brilliant star in the celestial sphere, possesses a stellar magnitude of minus 1.47 m. The modern scale also enables us to assign magnitudes to the Moon and the Sun: the full Moon has a stellar magnitude of -12.6 m and the Sun has a stellar magnitude of -26.8 m. The Hubble orbiting telescope has the capability to observe objects with a luminosity of approximately 31.5 m.
The Scale of Stellar Magnitudes
(the scale is inverted: smaller values correspond to brighter objects)
Apparent Magnitudes of Celestial Bodies
The Sun: -26.73
The Moon (at full moon): -12.74
Venus (at maximum luminosity): -4.67
Jupiter (at maximum brightness): -2.91
Sirius: -1.44
Vega: 0.03
Faintest stars visible to the naked eye: approximately 6.0
The Sun from 100 light years away: 7.30
Proxima Centauri: 11.05
Brightest quasar: 12.9
Faintest objects captured by the Hubble telescope: 31.5
The star of the first magnitude, Delight, is a person who has achieved fame in a certain field of knowledge or activity. According to T. Shchepkina-Kupernik in her book “Theater in my life,” Medvedeva, before her career at the Maly Theater, made another significant contribution as an artist. She discovered, predicted, and presented the theater with a star of the highest magnitude – Yermolova.
In the “Phraseological dictionary of the Russian literary language” by A. I. Fedorov, published in 2008 by Astrel and AST, this information is also mentioned.
Discover the meaning of “Star of the first magnitude” in other dictionaries:
Star of the first magnitude – Refer to glorious. Dictionary of Russian Synonyms and Similar Expressions. Edited by N. Abramov, Moscow: Russian Dictionaries, 1999. noun, synonyms: 9 … Dictionary of Synonyms
First magnitude star – Derived from astronomy. Even in the first astronomical catalogs of the ancient Greek scientists Hipparchus (II century BC) and Claudius Ptolemy (c. 90 c. 160), all stars visible to the eye were divided into six “magnitudes” based on their brightness level. Accordingly… … … Dictionary of Winged Words and Expressions
Star of the first magnitude – Book. Approving, humorous, or ironic. Describing an exceptional figure, master, or specialist in any given field. FSRYA, 172; BMS 1998, 204 …
star – Witness famous, glorious, far-reaching destiny, like a star in the sky, a guiding star. Thesaurus of Russian synonyms and similar meanings. ed. by N. N. Abramov, M.: Russian Dictionaries, 1999. star (celestial) luminary, star, beacon of the universe,… … Thesaurus of Synonyms
star – star, m. stars, g. 1. A celestial body made up of glowing gases (plasma), similar in nature to the Sun and appearing to the human eye as a shining point in the night sky. Polaris. Evening star. The air was cool and … … … Small Academic Thesaurus
star – s, v.; u/; m. stars, stars, stars, stars; g. see also stellar, stvezdochka 1) a) A self-luminous celestial body, similar in nature to the Sun and visible in the night sky as a bright point. Polaris/. A cluster of stars … Thesaurus of Many Expressions
Star – y, vin. y; m. stars, stars, stars, stars; g. 1. A luminous celestial body similar in nature to the Sun and visible in the nocturnal sky as a brilliant speck. A group of stars. The brightness of stars. Stars illuminate, radiate, flicker. Stars of the foremost,… … Encyclopedic Dictionary
STAR – Star, s, mn. stars, stars, am, fem. 1. A celestial body (a glowing ball of gas), visible at night as a luminous point. The stars are illuminated. The sky filled with stars. Polar s. Z. of the first magnitude (the brightest, as well as metaphorical… … … Ozhegov’s Explanatory Dictionary
Wolf’s star – Rye is a creative representation of a Wolf Raye star. Wolf Raye stars are a unique class of stars known for their extremely high temperature and luminosity. These stars stand out from other hot stars due to the presence of wide hydrogen emission bands in their spectrum. To learn more about this fascinating phenomenon, you can visit the Wikipedia page dedicated to Wolf Raye stars.
