Cumulative Flux?

[astronut]

Some galaxies are visible to the naked eye but their individual stars are not, so how is it that we can see these galaxies?

Is this due to the cumulative luminosity of the component stars and how would we then calculate the apparent magnitude of the galaxy as viewed from earth?

[Radar]

Welcome to My Astro Space Astronut.

Good question, I really wouldn't know. Robert and Dave seem quite clued up on this stuff though. At first glance I would also suggest a cumulative effect, but I really wouldn't know for sure. :pipethinker: