Apparent

Apparent, in astronomy and general physics, a term applied in contra-distinction to real. The apparent motions of the stars are due to the real motions of the earth, diurnal and annual. The apparent position of a star differs from its real position in the heavens by reason of the aberration of light. Apparent noon is at the instant the sun is crossing the meridian. The meaning attached to true noon (q.v.) is a convention. The apparent magnitude of a heavenly body is the angle subtended by a diameter at the observer's eye, and depends on the distance of the body as well as on its real magnitude. The apparent magnitude of the moon is much greater than that of Jupiter, though the real magnitude is much less.