Magnitude is a logarithmic scale used to measure the brightness of celestial objects as seen from Earth. The lower the magnitude number, the brighter the object.
Here's how it works:
* Each magnitude step represents a 2.512-fold difference in brightness.
* A twelfth magnitude star is about 2.512 x 2.512 x 2.512 = 15.85 times fainter than a tenth magnitude star.
* A fifteenth magnitude star is about 2.512 x 2.512 = 6.31 times fainter than a twelfth magnitude star.
In simpler terms:
* A twelfth magnitude star is faintly visible to the naked eye under dark skies.
* A fifteenth magnitude star is too faint to see with the naked eye, requiring a telescope to observe it.
Therefore, a fifteenth magnitude star is significantly fainter than a twelfth magnitude star.
