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The alpha star in a constellation has the highest brightness, but does that mean it has the highest flux density among the other stars in the constellation?

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    $\begingroup$ "The alpha star in a constellation has the highest brightness": often, but not always. Beta Orionis (Rigel) is brighter than Alpha Orionis (Betelgeuse), and there are other examples. $\endgroup$
    – James K
    Nov 4, 2021 at 6:24
  • $\begingroup$ It's a misconception that the Bayer Designations go in order of brightness. The Wikipedia entry has more info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayer_designation $\endgroup$
    – Greg Miller
    Aug 1 at 14:10

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Stars were historically grouped into constellations due to their (angular) proximity, as seen from Earth, but can have vastly different distances. As apparent magnitude depends on distance, a star's brightness is not an indication of its absolute magnitude.

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  • $\begingroup$ I don't think this is the answer to the question asked. I don't think "flux density" means "absolute magnitude" $\endgroup$
    – James K
    Nov 4, 2021 at 21:30
  • $\begingroup$ I think the author interpreted brightness as absolute magnitude, and flux density as apparent magnitude? $\endgroup$
    – Tosic
    Dec 4, 2021 at 16:19

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