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How can I calculate the luminosity of the wolf-rayet star Regor (Gama velorum) if i'm using the inverse square law but need the luminosity of this star in watts. How can I convert this value of its luminosity, (170,000 L☉) to watts I've been trying to figure out how to calculate this in order to convert it into my equation of b= L / (4pi d^2) if b= apparent brightness L= luminosity of star (in watts) d= distance to the star (in meters) Please let me know, thank you!?

Please guide me of how to convert this correctly and properly address the answer and how to get it.

astronomy astrophysics nasa astronomer
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Luke’s Answer

Certainly! You're on the right track. Here's how to calculate the luminosity of Regor (Gamma Velorum) in watts:

Solar luminosity: You'll need the luminosity of the Sun in watts. This is a known value:

Solar luminosity (L☉) = 3.827 x 10^26 watts
Regor's luminosity relative to the Sun: We know Regor's luminosity is 170,000 times that of the Sun (170,000 L☉).

Conversion: Multiply the Sun's luminosity by this factor to get Regor's luminosity in watts:

Regor's luminosity (L_Regor) = 170,000 L☉ * L☉ / watt (conversion factor)
L_Regor = 170,000 * 3.827 x 10^26 watts
Calculate: L_Regor = 6.51 x 10^31 watts (This is Regor's luminosity in watts)

Therefore, the luminosity of Regor (Gamma Velorum) is approximately 6.51 x 10^31 watts.

Now you can plug this value for L in your equation b = L / (4πd²) to find the apparent brightness (b) of Regor, given its distance (d) in meters.
Thank you comment icon Thank you sooo much!!!! This took a lot of stress off me! :) I appreciate your time to help me. Luka
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