description UY Scuti Overview
A pulsating red supergiant in Scutum and one of the largest known stars by radius, with estimates placing it at roughly 1,700 solar radii.
insights Why this score
UY Scuti ranks #65 of 217 in the Star ranking, behind Shaula, ahead of Gacrux.
Often cited among largest stars, high public recognition, though size estimates are uncertain.
help UY Scuti FAQ
Is UY Scuti still considered the largest known star?
It remains one of the largest known red supergiants, but it cannot be given an uncontested number-one ranking. Revised distance data and the diffuse, pulsating boundaries of supergiants have reduced some modern radius estimates well below the older figure of about 1,700 solar radii.
Would UY Scuti engulf the Solar System if it replaced the Sun?
Even estimates near 900 solar radii would place its visible surface beyond Earth's orbit and near or beyond the asteroid belt. Under the older 1,700-solar-radius estimate, it would extend past Jupiter's orbit.
Can UY Scuti be seen without a telescope?
No. Despite its enormous physical size, UY Scuti is thousands of light-years away and is dimmed by dust, with visible brightness around magnitude 9 or fainter. A telescope and a reliable star chart are needed to identify it in Scutum.
Why do published estimates of UY Scuti's radius vary so much?
Its calculated radius depends on uncertain distance, temperature, brightness, and the wavelength used to define its surface. UY Scuti also pulsates and has an extended atmosphere, so it lacks the sharply defined edge of a solid object.
explore Explore More
Similar to UY Scuti
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.
