Magnitude Flux Ratio Calculator
Same-passband magnitude contrast converts to first/second flux ratio; brighter smaller magnitude. Model only, not an ephemeris, measured stellar identity or observational guarantee.
Description
Astronomical magnitudes express logarithmic brightness differences.
Astronomical magnitudes express logarithmic brightness differences.1
Lower magnitude corresponds to greater flux within a consistent band and zero point. Use Magnitude Flux Ratio Calculator to evaluate the supplied inputs under the model explained below.
When to use Magnitude Flux Ratio Calculator
Use Magnitude Flux Ratio Calculator to evaluate the supplied inputs under the model explained below. Establish the units, measurement scope and model assumptions before entering values.
How to use Magnitude Flux Ratio Calculator and understand its results
- Establish the units, measurement scope and model assumptions before entering values.
- Enter First magnitude, Second magnitude using the field table and validation rules below, then run the tool.
- Read First over second flux; interpret the units, signs, ordering and unknown-value placeholders described below.
- Correct reported input errors and rerun. Apply successful results according to their specific meanings and check the assumptions before using them in a decision.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| firstMagnitude | First magnitude | number | Required; constraints below |
| secondMagnitude | Second magnitude | number | Required; constraints below |
Enter finite magnitudes sharing a band and zero point. Return 10^(0.4×(second−first)) as first flux divided by second. Equal magnitudes return 1; smaller first magnitude produces a ratio above 1. No physical flux unit or extinction correction is inferred.
firstOverSecondFlux=10^(0.4×(secondMagnitude−firstMagnitude)) Use the field order, units and branch conditions described above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| firstOverSecondFlux | First over second flux | number |
{
"input": {
"firstMagnitude": 0,
"secondMagnitude": 5
},
"output": {
"firstOverSecondFlux": 100
}
}Limitations and assumptions
Lower magnitude corresponds to greater flux within a consistent band and zero point. Apply the exact scope and assumptions explained above.
All listed fields require explicit values. Unexpected fields, incorrect types, nonfinite numbers and sparse arrays fail validation. Domain-specific bounds, alignments and supported tokens are explained above; extremely large inputs or outputs can also be rejected. Input errors differ from successful false results, empty match lists and unknown-evidence placeholders.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Combined Binary Star Magnitude Calculator for a related task: Combined magnitude follows from adding fluxes rather than averaging magnitudes.
Use Apparent to Absolute Magnitude Converter for a related task: Absolute magnitude refers brightness to the conventional reference distance.
References
-
Magnitude Flux Ratio Calculator — tool.io
Similar or alternative tools
- Combined Binary Star Magnitude Calculator
Combined magnitude follows from adding fluxes rather than averaging magnitudes.
- Apparent to Absolute Magnitude Converter
Absolute magnitude refers brightness to the conventional reference distance.