The article discusses the recent discovery of the largest star in the universe, known as Stephenson 2-18. This massive star, located in the Milky Way galaxy, has been found to surpass all previously known stars in terms of size.
Stephenson 2-18 was identified by a team of astronomers who used data gathered from various telescopes and observational instruments. The star was first documented in the year 1990 by the American astronomer, Paul W. Merrill. Since then, it has been the subject of further analysis and study.
The recent findings reveal that Stephenson 2-18 is an extremely massive star, with an estimated diameter of about 2,150 times that of the Sun.
To put the size of Stephenson 2-18 into perspective, if it were placed in the center of our Solar System, its outer layers would extend beyond the orbit of Saturn. It is estimated to have a mass of around 100 solar masses, which means it is not only gigantic but also very dense.
The star's extreme size and mass contribute to its short lifespan. Its high levels of radiation and intense stellar winds are likely to push away most of its outer layers, causing it to shed mass rapidly.
Despite its tremendous size, Stephenson 2-18 is located within a cluster of stars known as the Stephenson 2 star cluster. This cluster is situated approximately 20,000 light-years away from Earth, in the direction of the constellation Scutum.
The discovery of Stephenson 2-18 provides scientists with an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the nature and behavior of extremely massive stars. By studying its properties and eventual fate, astronomers hope to better understand the life cycle of stars and the processes involved in their formation.
In conclusion, the article highlights the recent discovery of Stephenson 2-18, the largest star in the universe. With its enormous size and mass, this star presents a unique opportunity for scientists to expand their knowledge of stellar evolution and gain a deeper understanding of the universe.
