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A 0.5 solar mass main sequence star is at a larger distance than a 4 solar mass main sequence star. Which star appears brighter

User Louis T
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Final answer:

A 0.5 solar mass main sequence star will appear less bright compared to a 4 solar mass main sequence star.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 0.5 solar mass main sequence star is less massive compared to a 4 solar mass main sequence star. It is a reasonably good approximation to say that luminosity (brightness) varies as the fourth power of the mass. So, the 4 solar mass star will be approximately 16 times brighter than the 0.5 solar mass star.

User Lasse Edsvik
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