The Biggest Stars in the Universe: Explained

TLDRThe largest star and the most massive star are different concepts; the largest star is about 1,540 times the size of the Sun, while the most massive star is 226 times the mass of the Sun but significantly smaller in size. The size and mass of a star depend on various factors such as temperature and density. While some stars can be incredibly large but not super massive, others can be incredibly massive but not super large.

Key insights

🌟The largest star currently known is called WG64 and is located in the Large Magellanic Cloud. It is approximately 1,540 times the size of the Sun.

💫The most massive star currently known is called BAT99 and is also located in the Large Magellanic Cloud. It has a mass of 226 times that of the Sun.

🔥The size of a star is determined by its temperature, while the mass of a star is a measure of the amount of matter it contains.

🌌Temperature plays a crucial role in determining the size of a star; cooler stars tend to be larger compared to hotter stars.

🌟🔥A star's size and mass are not directly proportional; some stars can be large but not massive, while others can be massive but not large.

Q&A

What is the largest star known to exist?

—The largest star currently known is called WG64 and is approximately 1,540 times the size of the Sun.

What is the most massive star known to exist?

—The most massive star currently known is called BAT99 and has a mass of 226 times that of the Sun.

What determines the size of a star?

—The size of a star is determined by its temperature; cooler stars tend to be larger compared to hotter stars.

What determines the mass of a star?

—The mass of a star is a measure of the amount of matter it contains.

Are stars' size and mass directly proportional?

—No, the size and mass of a star are not directly proportional; some stars can be large but not massive, while others can be massive but not large.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The video discusses the difference between the largest star and the most massive star.

01:40The largest star currently known is WG64, located in the Large Magellanic Cloud. It is approximately 1,540 times the size of the Sun.

03:18The most massive star currently known is BAT99, also located in the Large Magellanic Cloud. It has a mass of 226 times that of the Sun.

05:00The size of a star is determined by its temperature, while the mass of a star is a measure of the amount of matter it contains.

06:45A star's size and mass are not directly proportional; some stars can be large but not massive, while others can be massive but not large.

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