FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Magnitude Comparisons???

["Mike Spooner" <spoon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

An exploding cigar would be a nice example of a distant nova perhaps. :)
Ahh!  Science and entertainment - could be the start of a whole new "Cosmos"
like series. <G>

Seriously, if a cigarette were used as an example of a distant star, what
size firecracker would be a fairly accurate representation of a nova or
supernova? Might be interesting to come up with a filmed (for safety)
example of say an orange with an internal M80 and how it would affect
"berry" planets (suspended in orbits by threads) in the vicinity. It's
likely the distance scales would have to be adjusted as the M80 would be a
far cry from the real thing. Of course with realistic computer generated
models available, perhaps it wouldn't have all that much impact. Still for
kids (and others), relating to real world objects sometimes is a meaningful
relationship.

--Mike Spooner


> > Does anyone know of a website or other place where comparisons to given
> > magnitudes are given?  For example, magnitude -26 is like looking at the
> > Sun (Duh!), or 24th magnitude is like seeing the lit end of a cigar at
> > the distance of the moon.  I thought it'd be good public star party
> > fodder to have info like this.
> >
> > Thad
> >
> > Thad Robosson
> > Double star enthusiast
> > Member Saguaro Astronomy Club
> > ATM group chairman
> > Owner/operator Twin Points Observatory
> > 33 27 N, 112 19 W
> > Phoenix, Arizona, USA
> >
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