description Stephenson 2-18 Overview
Stephenson 2-18 is a red supergiant in the open cluster Stephenson 2, often cited as potentially the largest known star with a radius estimated around 2,150 solar radii.
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Stephenson 2-18 ranks #104 of 217 in the Star ranking, behind Porrima, ahead of Wezen.
Largest-star candidate with high public visibility, but estimates are debated and less settled.
help Stephenson 2-18 FAQ
Is Stephenson 2-18 the largest star in the universe?
Stephenson 2-18 is often cited as potentially the largest known star in the Milky Way, with an estimated radius of around 2,150 solar radii. If placed at the center of our solar system, its surface would extend past the orbit of Saturn.
Where is Stephenson 2-18 located?
The star is located in the open cluster Stephenson 2, which is situated in the direction of the Scutum constellation. The cluster was cataloged by astronomer Charles Bruce Stephenson in 1990.
What kind of star is Stephenson 2-18?
It is an extreme red supergiant, representing one of the largest and most luminous types of stars known to exist. These stars have expanded their outer layers massively as they approach the final stages of their relatively short lives.
Can I see Stephenson 2-18 with a backyard telescope?
Stephenson 2-18 is heavily obscured by interstellar dust and cannot be seen with the naked eye or standard amateur telescopes. Astronomers rely on infrared observations to study the star and its host cluster, as infrared light can penetrate the dense dust clouds.
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