What two primary factors influence a star's Apparent Magnitude (m)?

Intrinsic luminosity and distance from Earth.

Apparent magnitude, denoted as 'm', is a measure of how bright a star appears specifically from the vantage point of Earth. This observed brightness is inherently dependent on two critical variables that dictate the light reaching the observer's eye. The first factor is the star's intrinsic luminosity, which is the total amount of light the star genuinely emits into space, reflecting its true energy output. The second, equally crucial factor is the physical distance separating the star from Earth. Because light diminishes according to the inverse square law over distance, a star that is intrinsically faint but relatively nearby can possess the same apparent magnitude as an extremely luminous star that is situated incredibly far away. This distinction is vital when comparing stellar appearances, as apparent magnitude does not reveal the true power of a celestial body on its own.