description VY Canis Majoris Overview
A red hypergiant in Canis Major once considered the largest known star by radius at roughly 1,400 solar radii and among the most luminous in the galaxy.
insights Why this score
VY Canis Majoris ranks #43 of 217 in the Star ranking, behind Mintaka, ahead of Dubhe.
Famous red hypergiant and former largest-star candidate, strong public reputation despite revised estimates.
help VY Canis Majoris FAQ
How large is VY Canis Majoris compared to the Sun?
VY Canis Majoris is a red hypergiant once considered the largest known star by radius, measuring roughly 1,400 solar radii. If placed at the center of our solar system, its surface would extend past the orbit of Jupiter.
What type of star is VY Canis Majoris?
It is classified as a red hypergiant, which is an extremely massive and luminous star nearing the end of its life cycle. It is currently among the most luminous stars in the Milky Way galaxy.
Can VY Canis Majoris be seen with the naked eye?
Despite its massive size, VY Canis Majoris is invisible to the naked eye under normal conditions due to its extreme distance of roughly 3,900 light-years away. It requires a moderate-sized amateur telescope to spot it in the constellation Canis Major.
What is the ultimate fate of VY Canis Majoris?
Like most red hypergiants, VY Canis Majoris is highly unstable and is expected to end its life in a massive supernova explosion. This catastrophic event could happen relatively soon in astronomical terms, though that might still be millions of years from now.
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