This article explores the ten largest known stars in the Universe, ranging in size from UY Scuti with a radius 1,700 times that of the Sun, to V396 Centauri with a radius of 1,260 times that of the Sun. These stars are primarily red supergiants and red hypergiants, and they are located all over the galaxy, some as far as 168,000 light-years away from Earth. Studying these massive stars helps scientists better understand the evolution of the Universe and how these celestial objects shape the universe around them.
10 Largest Known Stars in the Universe
The Universe is a vast expanse of space that is filled with numerous celestial bodies, including stars. Stars are the building blocks of the Universe, and they come in different sizes and shapes. Some stars are so massive that they defy our imagination, and their size is simply mind-boggling. In this article, we will explore the ten largest known stars in the Universe.
1. UY Scuti
UY Scuti takes the crown as the largest known star in the Universe. Located in the Scutum constellation, this red supergiant has a radius of about 1,700 times that of the Sun, and it is estimated to be around 9,500 light-years away from the Earth. UY Scuti is so huge that if it were placed at the center of our solar system, its surface would extend beyond the orbit of Jupiter.
2. VY Canis Majoris
VY Canis Majoris is another massive star that is only slightly smaller than UY Scuti. Located in the Canis Major constellation, this red supergiant has a radius of about 1,420 times that of the Sun, and it is estimated to be around 3,900 light-years away from Earth. If VY Canis Majoris were placed in the center of our solar system, it would extend beyond Saturn’s orbit.
3. Westerlund 1-26
Westerlund 1-26 is a red supergiant that is located in the Westerlund 1 star cluster. This star has a radius of about 1,530 times that of the Sun, and it is estimated to be around 16,000 light-years away from the Earth. Westerlund 1-26 is one of the largest stars known in the Milky Way galaxy.
4. KW Sagittarii
KW Sagittarii is a red supergiant located in the Sagittarius constellation. This star has a radius of about 1,416 times that of the Sun, and it is estimated to be around 8,800 light-years away from the Earth. KW Sagittarii is one of the largest known stars in the Milky Way galaxy.
5. KY Cygni
KY Cygni is a red hypergiant located in the Cygnus constellation. This star has a radius of about 1,420 times that of the Sun, and it is estimated to be around 5,000 to 10,000 light-years away from the Earth. KY Cygni is one of the largest stars known in the Milky Way galaxy.
6. Mu Cephei A
Mu Cephei A, also known as the “Garnet Star,” is a red supergiant located in the Cepheus constellation. This star has a radius of about 1,260 times that of the Sun, and it is estimated to be around 3,500 light-years away from the Earth. Mu Cephei A is one of the largest stars known in the Milky Way galaxy.
7. HR 5171 A
HR 5171 A is a red supergiant located in the Centaurus constellation. This star has a radius of about 1,300 times that of the Sun, and it is estimated to be around 12,000 light-years away from the Earth. HR 5171 A is one of the largest stars known in the Milky Way galaxy.
8. WOH G64
WOH G64 is a red hypergiant located in the Large Magellanic Cloud. This star has a radius of about 1,540 times that of the Sun, and it is estimated to be around 168,000 light-years away from the Earth. WOH G64 is one of the largest stars known outside of the Milky Way galaxy.
9. AH Scorpii
AH Scorpii is a red supergiant located in the Scorpius constellation. This star has a radius of about 1,030 times that of the Sun, and it is estimated to be around 12,000 light-years away from the Earth. AH Scorpii is one of the largest stars known in the Milky Way galaxy.
10. V396 Centauri
V396 Centauri is a red supergiant located in the Centaurus constellation. This star has a radius of about 1,260 times that of the Sun, and it is estimated to be around 5,630 light-years away from the Earth. V396 Centauri is one of the largest stars known in the Milky Way galaxy.
In conclusion, the Universe is home to some of the most massive and fascinating stars, and their size is simply mind-boggling. These stars play a significant role in the Universe, and studying them helps us to understand the evolution and workings of the Universe.