Apparent visual magnitude/brightness problem

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The discussion revolves around calculating the brightness of a distant star using its apparent magnitude and distance. The key equation mentioned is m = -2.5 log(b/b0), where b represents the star's brightness and b0 is the brightness of a reference star. The original poster initially struggled with rearranging this equation to find the star's brightness and sought alternative methods. Ultimately, after some reflection and stepping away from the problem, they realized the solution on their own. The conversation highlights the value of taking breaks when tackling complex problems.
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Hi

I am working on a problem that requires me to calculate the brightness of a distant star. The problem i have is that the only information i have on the star is its distance and its apparent magnitude.

I think that i can solve this problem with the equation for magnitude i.e
m = -2.5 log(b/b0)

Where b = brightness of star and b0 = brightness of reference star with magnitude zero.

What i am struggling with is how to rearrange this equation to find the brightness of the distant star.
a) Can this equation be reaaranged to find the brightness required.
b) Is there another method that can help me find the required brightness with the limited information i have.
thanks for your help.
 
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Thanks for looking but i think i have solved this problem!

I had spent several hours looking at this problem and then decided to ask for your advise.
But as is often the case when you walk away from the problem and think of something else you often realize where you were going wrong.

Thanks anyway.
 
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