diff --git a/src/visstars.cpp b/src/visstars.cpp
index 24705559..da660e5f 100644
--- a/src/visstars.cpp
+++ b/src/visstars.cpp
@@ -138,6 +138,12 @@ vector<uint32>* VisibleStarSet::getCloseSet() const
 }
 
 
+float VisibleStarSet::getLimitingMagnitude() const
+{
+    return faintest;
+}
+
+
 void VisibleStarSet::setLimitingMagnitude(float mag)
 {
     faintest = mag;
diff --git a/src/visstars.h b/src/visstars.h
index 6a85693e..ba7e42ad 100644
--- a/src/visstars.h
+++ b/src/visstars.h
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ public:
     void updateAll(const Observer&);
     vector<uint32>* getVisibleSet() const;
     vector<uint32>* getCloseSet() const;
+    float getLimitingMagnitude() const;
     void setLimitingMagnitude(float);
     void setCloseDistance(float);