description R136a1 Overview
A Wolf-Rayet star in the R136 cluster of the Large Magellanic Cloud, regarded as the most massive known star with an initial mass estimated around 300 solar masses.
insights Why this score
R136a1 ranks #29 of 217 in the Star ranking, behind Regulus, ahead of Fomalhaut.
Most massive known-star contender, extreme luminosity, high scientific reputation despite Magellanic Cloud distance.
help R136a1 FAQ
How massive is R136a1 compared with the Sun?
Models suggest R136a1 formed with an initial mass of around 300 times that of the Sun, although its present mass is lower because of intense stellar winds. Such estimates depend on atmospheric and evolutionary models rather than placing the star on a scale.
Where is R136a1 located?
R136a1 lies in the dense R136 cluster inside the Tarantula Nebula. That region is in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way roughly 160,000 light-years away.
What type of star is R136a1?
R136a1 is an extremely luminous Wolf-Rayet star with a very hot surface and powerful stellar winds. Its spectrum and inferred mass place it among the most extreme stars known.
Will R136a1 eventually become a supernova?
A star this massive is expected to end through a catastrophic collapse after a short life measured in only a few million years. Its exact fate is uncertain because heavy mass loss could substantially change its final mass before collapse.
explore Explore More
Similar to R136a1
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
