light curve

noun

: a graph showing the variation in brightness of a celestial object (such as a variable star) over a period of time

Examples of light curve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Not all of the light curves can be explained just yet, and don’t relate to clouds or temperature. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2025 The result was hundreds of highly detailed light curves showing how each wavelength of infrared light changed in brightness as SIMP 0136 rotated. Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 Mar. 2025 The most significant source of data came from ground telescopes all over the world that measured both asteroids’ light curve. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2024 Comparing the light curves before and after impact helped the team learn how DART changed Dimorphos’ motion. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for light curve

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of light curve was in 1857

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Cite this Entry

“Light curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light%20curve. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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