SOLUTION: The apparent magnitude of a star refers to the brightness of the star. Objects with lower magnitude appear brighter to the eye than objects with higher magnitude. For higher magnit

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: The apparent magnitude of a star refers to the brightness of the star. Objects with lower magnitude appear brighter to the eye than objects with higher magnitude. For higher magnit      Log On


   

Question 1102963: The apparent magnitude of a star refers to the brightness of the star. Objects with lower magnitude appear brighter to the eye than objects with higher magnitude. For higher magnitudes a telescope is required. However, even a telescope has its limitations. The limiting magnitude L of an optical telescope with lens diameter D (in inches) is given by L(D) = 8.8 + 5.1logD. Use this function to find the following:
a. Find the limiting magnitude for a telescope with a lens 10 inches in diameter. Round to 1 decimal place if needed.
b. How large a telescope is needed to see a galaxy with magnitude 19? Round to the nearest inch if needed.
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
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The apparent magnitude of a star refers to the brightness of the star.
Objects with lower magnitude appear brighter to the eye than objects with higher magnitude.
For higher magnitudes a telescope is required.
However, even a telescope has its limitations.
The limiting magnitude L of an optical telescope with lens diameter D (in inches) is given by L(D) = 8.8 + 5.1logD.
Use this function to find the following:
:
a. Find the limiting magnitude for a telescope with a lens 10 inches in diameter.
Round to 1 decimal place if needed.
L(d) = 5.1*log(10)
We know the log of 10 is 1, therefore
L = 5.1 amplitude
:
b. How large a telescope is needed to see a galaxy with magnitude 19?
Round to the nearest inch if needed.
5.1*log(d) = 19
log(d) = 19%2F5.1
log(d) = 3.7255
Find the antilog
d = 5315 inches or divide by 12 to get 443 ft