Stephenson 2-18 is the largest star ever found, with a radius nearly 2,150 times that of the Sun, about 19,570 light-years away
Astronomers have discovered a cosmic behemoth that redefines the scale of stars. Stephenson 2-18 is the largest star ever found, and it completely dwarfs our entire solar system. If placed in the center of our solar system, its outer surface would extend beyond the orbit of Saturn, swallowing Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and even Saturn.
Located about 19,570 light-years away in the constellation of Scutum, Stephenson 2-18 is a red supergiant with a radius nearly 2,150 times that of the Sun Its sheer size and brightness make it one of the most fascinating objects for astronomers studying stellar evolution and extreme cosmic phenomena
The star’s discovery challenges our understanding of how massive stars form and live Their life cycles are brief but incredibly dramatic, ending in spectacular supernova explosions that scatter elements across the galaxy, seeding future generations of stars and planets
For space enthusiasts, Stephenson 2-18 is a humbling reminder of the sheer scale of the universe Even our massive Sun seems tiny compared to this celestial giant. Observing such stars offers insights into the forces shaping galaxies and the incredible diversity of cosmic objects
The discovery also inspires wonder about what else might be lurking in our galaxy Just when we think we understand the cosmos, objects like Stephenson 2-18 remind us that space always has surprises, waiting to be explored
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