absolute magnitude

Absolute magnitude is a magnitude-style (logarithmic) measurement of brightness indicating the magnitude as would be seen from 10 parsecs (i.e., what would be its apparent magnitude at that distance) adjusted to what it would be if there were no reddening. The intention is to quantify the brightness of the star itself, irrespective of distance. As with all astronomical magnitude scales, the smaller the number, the brighter. Absolute magnitudes of some stars:

• -7.02 - Rigel
• +1.42 - Sirius
• +0.6 - Vega
• +4.3 - Alpha Centauri A
• +4.83 - Sun

Without the adjective bolometric, nor indication of a filter, the visible magnitude is generally implied, generally meaning the absolute magnitude given the V filter.