Use the paragraph to answer the question.

Two stars, Star A and star B, have equal luminosities. Star A is closer and has a slightly higher surface temperature while Star B is farther away from Earth and has a slightly lower surface temperature.

Which star will have the higher apparent magnitude?

(1 point)
Responses

Star B will have a higher apparent magnitude because it is at a greater distance.
Star B will have a higher apparent magnitude because it is at a greater distance.

Star A will have a higher apparent magnitude because it has a higher surface temperature.
Star A will have a higher apparent magnitude because it has a higher surface temperature.

Star B will have a higher apparent magnitude because it has a lower surface temperature.
Star B will have a higher apparent magnitude because it has a lower surface temperature.

Star A will have a higher apparent magnitude because it is at a lesser distance.

1 answer

Star A will have a higher apparent magnitude because it is at a lesser distance.

This is because apparent magnitude decreases (the brightness appears higher) for objects that are closer. Since both stars have equal luminosities, Star A, being closer, will appear brighter than Star B.