Sky science
Atmospheric Extinction
Direct answer
Atmospheric Extinction is the reduction of celestial light through scattering and absorption along its path through the atmosphere.
It makes objects fainter, especially near the horizon.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related
- Astronomical Seeing, Atmospheric Transparency, Atmospheric Refraction, Airmass
It makes objects fainter, especially near the horizon.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.
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The story behind Atmospheric Extinction
Photometric astronomy developed extinction coefficients to correct ground observations.
A one-minute story
The Wandering Stars
How the moving planets were watched, named and found, and what a transit is.
Why Atmospheric Extinction matters
Atmospheric Extinction is required for calibrated photometry and realistic visibility estimates.
Atmospheric Extinction in practice: an example
The same star appears dimmer at low altitude than near culmination.
Where readings of Atmospheric Extinction go wrong
A single extinction correction does not fit every color or night.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Almanac Glossary - Definitions for astronomical coordinates, time, reference systems, and observable phenomena.
- European Southern Observatory: Technology for Telescopes - Observatory reference for aperture, angular resolution, atmospheric seeing, mirrors, and telescope technology.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Correct starlight for the atmosphere
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Common questions
What is Atmospheric Extinction?
Atmospheric Extinction is the reduction of celestial light through scattering and absorption along its path through the atmosphere.
What do people get wrong about Atmospheric Extinction?
A single extinction correction does not fit every color or night.
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