If two stars differ by 8.6 magnitudes, what is their intensity ratio?

Question

If two stars differ by 8.6 magnitudes, what is their intensity ratio?

Answer 1

A change of 5 magnitudes corresponds to an intensity ratio of 100, so a change of 1 magnitude is 100^(1/5).

Hence a change of 8.6 magnitudes would be 100^(1/5)^8.6 = 100^(8.6/5) = 100^1.72 = 2754.

So the intensity ratio is 2754.

Answer 2

Fully agree with Bilruss

Answer 3

1 magnitude is an increase of 2.5

so 8.6 is 2.5^8,6 or 2644

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