What is Distance Modulus?
Distance modulus is a measure used in astronomy to describe the relationship between the apparent magnitude and absolute magnitude of a celestial object. It provides a way to determine the distance to stars and other astronomical objects.
Formula
The distance modulus is calculated using:
$$m - M = 5 \log_{10}(d) - 5$$
Or equivalently:
$$m - M = 5 \log_{10}(d/10)$$
Where:
- $m - M$ is the distance modulus
- $d$ is the distance in parsecs
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the distance between objects in parsecs
- Click "Calculate"
- View the distance modulus result in magnitudes (m-M)
Example Calculation
For a distance of 50 parsecs:
$$m - M = 5 \log_{10}(50/10) = 5 \log_{10}(5) = 5 \times 0.6990 \approx 3.49$$
This means the distance modulus is approximately 3.49 magnitudes.