bolometric magnitude
Quick Summary
In astronomy, bolometric magnitude is a measure of a star's total radiation output across all wavelengths. This differs from visual magnitude, which only accounts for the light visible to the human eye.12
Corrections are needed to convert visual magnitudes to bolometric magnitudes, especially for very hot or very cool stars, as they emit much of their energy in ultraviolet or infrared wavelengths, respectively, which can be absorbed by Earth's atmosphere. Measuring a star's bolometric magnitude provides a true indication of its total energy output.3
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