Question

question 12 2 pts according to the magnitude scale that was developed by the ancient greek astronomer hipparchus, which of these stars appears brighter to our eyes? polaris (the current north star) with an apparent magnitude of 1.97, or betelgeuse, in orion, with an apparent magnitude of around 0.6? they are both equally bright to the naked eye. polaris, because its apparent magnitude is higher than that of betelgeuse. impossible to tell from the data given in this question. betelgeuse, because its apparent magnitude is lower than that of polaris.

Explanation:

The lower the apparent - magnitude value of a star on Hipparchus' scale, the brighter it appears to the human eye. Since Betelgeuse has an apparent magnitude of around 0.6 and Polaris has an apparent magnitude of 1.97, and 0.6 < 1.97, Betelgeuse appears brighter.

Answer:

Betelgeuse, because its apparent magnitude is lower than that of Polaris.