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Question 4: Alpha Centauri is a binary star system (the two individual stars are called Alpha...

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Question 4: Alpha Centauri is a binary star system (the twoindividual stars are called Alpha Centauri A and B) that is part ofa triple star system (the third star is Proxima Centauri). This isthe closest star system to the Sun. Alpha Centauri A and B are soclose that if they are viewed with the naked eye they are seen asone star from the Earth. The absolute magnitude of Alpha Centauri Ais 4.4, while the absolute magnitude of Alpha Centauri B is 5.7.The distance to Alpha Centauri is 1.35 pc.

a) Calculate the apparent magnitude of both Alpha Centauri A andB.

b) Calculate the apparent magnitude of Alpha Centauri, when seenas one object.

c) If Alpha Centauri A is able to fully eclipse Alpha CentauriB, how much does the radiant flux change when this happen, comparedto when both stars are not eclipsing each other?

Answer & Explanation Solved by verified expert
3.7 Ratings (406 Votes)

Apparent magnitutu is thebrightness measured by an observerwith a specificdistance. According to inverse square law of brightness smaller the distance , greater the brightness.

a. Apparent magnitude of A

            m - M = 5 log (d/10)

            m - 4.4 = 5 log ( 1,35/10)

            m - 4.4 = - 4.34

            m = 0.06

Apparent Magnitude of B

          m - M = 5log(d/10)

          m - 5.7 = 5 log (1,35/10)

          m - 5.7 = -4.34

          m = 1.36

           Where M is the absolute magnitute and m is the apparent magnitude.

     Alpha centauri A have more brightness compared to B. Since A have the low apparent magnitude.
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