Answer: The Magnitude System

- Originally developed by the Ancient Greeks:

•     Brightest stars were labeled "Magnitude 1"

•     Faintest stars were labeled "Magnitude 6"

- System was quantified in the 1800's

•     The smaller (more negative) the number, the brighter

•     Logarithmic Scale

•     Difference in 5 magnitudes means 100 times more light

- Example: This means something that is "magnitude 3" sends us 100 times more photons than something that is "magnitude 8".