The Universe's Largest Star: A Journey of Size and Scale

🌟Stars come in different sizes, from gas giants to red hypergiants.

🔭The largest known star, Stephenson 2-18, is 2150 times the size of the Sun and shines with almost half a million times its power.

🌌There is still uncertainty about the true largest star in the universe due to measurement limitations.

📲The Universe In A Nutshell app allows you to explore the scale of the universe and learn more about celestial objects.

⭐Stars play a crucial role in the cycle of birth and death that lights up our universe.

What is the largest known star?

—The largest known star is Stephenson 2-18, estimated to be 2150 times the size of the Sun.

How does the size of stars affect their brightness?

—The larger a star is, the brighter it burns. The largest stars, such as hypergiants, can be hundreds of thousands of times brighter than the Sun.

Why is it difficult to measure the size of the largest stars?

—The largest stars, particularly hypergiants, are rare and located at great distances. This makes accurate measurements challenging and prone to uncertainties.

Can I explore the scale of the universe in more detail?

—Yes, you can download the Universe In A Nutshell app to seamlessly explore the scale of the universe and learn more about celestial objects.

What happens to stars at the end of their lives?

—Stars, including the largest ones, go through different stages of evolution. They can expand into red giants or eventually explode in supernovae, releasing their gas back into the galaxy.

00:01Introduction to the largest star in the universe and the questions surrounding it.

03:38Explanation of different types of stars and their sizes, from gas giants to red hypergiants.

08:18Discussion of the largest known star, Stephenson 2-18, and its immense size and brightness.

09:22Recognition of the limitations in measuring the size of the largest stars due to their distance and complexity.

10:37Promotion of the Universe In A Nutshell app, which allows users to explore the scale of the universe and learn more about celestial objects.