Determining the exact size of stars can be challenging due to various factors, including distance and observational limitations. It’s important to note that our understanding of stars is constantly evolving, and new discoveries may lead to updates in our knowledge of the largest stars in the universe.
However, here is a list of some of the largest known stars in the universe:
- UY Scuti
- NML Cygni
- VV Cephei A
- VY Canis Majoris
- KY Cygni
1. UY Scuti
UY Scuti is a massive star located in the constellation Scutum. Here are some details about UY Scuti:
Surface Temperature: The surface temperature of UY Scuti is estimated to be around 3,600 Kelvin (6,020 degrees Fahrenheit). It is a cool star compared to other types of stars.
Radius: UY Scuti has an estimated radius of approximately 1,700 times larger than the radius of the Sun. This makes it one of the largest known stars in terms of size.
Distance to Earth: The distance to UY Scuti from Earth is estimated to be about 5,000 to 9,500 light-years. Due to its vast distance, detailed observations and measurements of UY Scuti can be challenging.
Location: UY Scuti is located in the direction of the constellation Scutum, which is Latin for “shield.” The constellation is visible in the southern sky and is part of the Milky Way galaxy.
2. NML Cygni
NML Cygni is a red hypergiant star located in the constellation Cygnus. Here are some key details about NML Cygni:
Surface Temperature: The surface temperature of NML Cygni is estimated to be around 2,650 Kelvin (2,377 degrees Celsius or 4,311 degrees Fahrenheit).
Radius: NML Cygni is known for its immense size. It has an estimated radius of approximately 1,650 times larger than the Sun, making it one of the largest known stars in the universe.
Distance to Earth: NML Cygni is located at a vast distance from Earth. Its estimated distance from our planet is approximately 5,300 to 6,300 light-years away.
Location: NML Cygni is situated in the constellation Cygnus, which is part of the Milky Way galaxy. More specifically, its coordinates in the equatorial coordinate system are approximately right ascension 20h 46m 00s and declination +40° 13′ 12″.
3. VV Cephei A
VV Cephei A is a binary star system located in the constellation Cepheus. Here are some details about VV Cephei A:
Surface Temperature: The surface temperature of VV Cephei A is estimated to be around 3,800 to 4,000 Kelvin.
Radius: VV Cephei A is known as a red hypergiant star and is one of the largest known stars in the universe. Its radius is estimated to be approximately 1,500 times larger than the radius of the Sun. However, it’s important to note that the exact measurements of its radius can vary depending on different sources.
Distance to Earth: The distance to VV Cephei A from Earth is estimated to be approximately 4,900 light-years. Keep in mind that distance measurements in space can have some degree of uncertainty.
Location: VV Cephei A is situated in the constellation Cepheus, specifically in the northern celestial hemisphere. The coordinates of its location are approximately right ascension 21h 07m 58.3282s and declination +63° 21′ 39.070″.
4. VY Canis Majoris
VY Canis Majoris is a massive red hypergiant star located in the constellation Canis Major. Here is some information about VY Canis Majoris:
Surface Temperature: The surface temperature of VY Canis Majoris is estimated to be around 3,500 Kelvin (3,226 degrees Celsius or 5,839 degrees Fahrenheit). It is a cool star compared to smaller and hotter stars like the Sun.
Radius: The radius of VY Canis Majoris is estimated to be approximately 1,420 times larger than the radius of the Sun. This makes it one of the largest known stars in terms of size.
Distance to Earth: The distance to VY Canis Majoris from Earth is estimated to be around 3,900 light-years. This distance can vary slightly due to the complexities of measuring astronomical distances accurately.
Location: VY Canis Majoris is located in the constellation Canis Major, specifically near the border with the constellation Monoceros. It is situated in the southern celestial hemisphere and can be observed from latitudes below 37 degrees north and is part of the Milky Way galaxy.
5. KY Cygni
KY Cygni is a red hypergiant star located in the constellation Cygnus. Here is some information about KY Cygni:
Surface Temperature: The surface temperature of KY Cygni is estimated to be around 3,200 to 3,500 Kelvin.
Radius: KY Cygni is known for its enormous size. Its radius is estimated to be approximately 1,420 times larger than the radius of the Sun.
Distance to Earth: KY Cygni is located at a vast distance from Earth. Its estimated distance is about 5,000 to 10,000 light-years away.
Location: KY Cygni is situated in the constellation Cygnus, which is commonly known as the Northern Cross due to its distinctive shape resembling a cross. It can be observed in the northern hemisphere during certain times of the year. KY Cygni resides within our own Milky Way galaxy. Specifically, it is located in one of the spiral arms of the Milky Way.
Other largest starts are KW Sagittarii, Mu Cephei (Herschel’s Garnet Star), Betelgeuse, Antares
- KW Sagittarii: KW Sagittarii is a red hypergiant star located in the constellation Sagittarius. It is one of the largest known stars, with a radius estimated to be around 1,360 times larger than the Sun.
- Mu Cephei (Herschel’s Garnet Star): Mu Cephei, also known as Herschel’s Garnet Star, is a red supergiant star with a radius estimated to be about 1,260 times larger than the Sun.
- Betelgeuse: Betelgeuse is a red supergiant located in the constellation Orion. It has a radius estimated to be about 950-1,000 times larger than the Sun.
- Antares: Antares is a red supergiant star located in the constellation Scorpius. Its radius is estimated to be around 883 times larger than the Sun.
It is important to note that these are just the largest stars that have been discovered so far. There may be even larger stars out there that have yet to be found.
