This is a list of stars arranged by their absolute magnitude – their intrinsic stellar luminosity. This cannot be observed directly, so instead must be calculated from the apparent magnitude (the brightness as seen from Earth), the distance to each star, and a correction for interstellar extinction. The entries in the list below are further corrected to provide the bolometric magnitude, i.e. integrated over all wavelengths; this relies upon measurements in multiple photometric filters and extrapolation of the stellar spectrum based on the stellar spectral type and/or effective temperature.
Entries give the bolometric luminosity in multiples of the luminosity of the Sun (L☉) and the bolometric absolute magnitude. As with all magnitude systems in astronomy, the latter scale is logarithmic and inverted i.e. more negative numbers are more luminous.
Most stars on this list are not bright enough to be visible to the naked eye from Earth, because of their high distances, high extinction, or because they emit most of their light outside the visible range. For a list of the brightest stars seen from Earth, see the list of brightest stars. There are three stars with over 1 million L☉ and visible to the naked eye: WR 22, WR 24 and Eta Carinae. All of these stars are located in the Carina nebula.
Accurate measurement of stellar luminosities is difficult, even when the apparent magnitude is measured accurately, for four reasons:
Because of all these problems, other references may give very different values for the most luminous stars (different ordering or different stars altogether). Data on different stars can be of somewhat different reliability, depending on the attention one particular star has received as well as largely differing physical difficulties in analysis (see the Pistol Star for an example). The last stars in the list are familiar nearby stars put there for comparison, and not among the most luminous known. It may also interest the reader to know that the Sun is more luminous than approximately 95% of all known stars in the local neighbourhood (out to, say, a few hundred light years), due to enormous numbers of somewhat less massive stars that are cooler and often much less luminous. For perspective, the overall range of stellar luminosities runs from dwarfs less than 1/10,000th as luminous as the Sun to supergiants over 1,000,000 times more luminous.
Wolf–Rayet star |
Luminous blue variable |
O-type star |
B-type star |
A-type star |
F-type star |
This list is currently limited mostly to objects in our galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds, but a few stars in other local group galaxies can now be examined in enough detail to determine their luminosities. Some suspected binaries in this magnitude range are excluded because there is insufficient information about the luminosity of the individual components. Selected fainter stars are also shown for comparison. Despite their extreme luminosity, many of these stars are nevertheless too distant to be observed with the naked eye. Stars that are at least sometimes visible to the unaided eye have their apparent magnitude (6.5 or brighter) highlighted in blue. Thanks to gravitational lensing, stars that are strongly magnified can be seen at much larger distances. The first star in the list, Godzilla[1] — an LBV in the distant Sunburst galaxy — is probably the brightest star ever observed, although it is believed to be undergoing a temporary episode of increased luminosity that has lasted at least seven years, in a similar manner to the Great Eruption of Eta Carinae that was witnessed in the 19th century.
The first list shows a few of the known stars with an estimated luminosity of 1 million L☉ or greater, including the stars in open cluster, OB association and H II region. The majority of stars thought to be more than 1 million L☉ are shown, but the list is incomplete.
The second list gives some notable stars for the purpose of comparison.
Star name | Bolometric luminosity (L☉, Sun = 1) |
Absolute bolometric magnitude |
Approx. distance from Earth (ly) |
Apparent visible magnitude |
Effective temperature (K) | Spectral type | Link | Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BAT99-98 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 5,012,000 | -12.01 | 165,000 | 13.38 | 45,000 | WN6 | SIMBAD | [2][3] |
G0.238-0.071 (inGalactic Center) | 5,012,000 | -12.01 | 26,000 | 14.37 (J band) | 39,500-44,000 | WN11h | SIMBAD | [4][5] |
[BMS2003] 867 A (inNGC 604ofTriangulum Galaxy) | 4,932,000 | -12 | 2,700,000 | 16.29 (combined) | 42,400 | O4Iab | SIMBAD | [6] |
R136a1 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 4,677,000 | -11.94 | 163,000 | 12.28 | 46,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | [7][8] |
M33-013406.63 A (inTriangulum Galaxy) | 4,677,000 | -11.935 | 3,000,000 | 16.084 (combined) | 30,000 | O9.5Ia | SIMBAD | [9][10][a] |
[BMS2003] 867 B (inNGC 604ofTriangulum Galaxy) | 4,395,000 | -11.87 | 2,700,000 | 16.29 (combined) | 42,400 | O4Ia | SIMBAD | [6] |
Westerhout 49-2 (inWesterhout 49) | 4,365,000 | -11.86 | 36,200 | 18.246 (J band) | 35,500 | O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD | [11][12] |
HD 37836 (inLMC) | 4,169,000 | -11.81 | 163,000 | 10.55 | 28,200 | B0Iae | SIMBAD | [13] |
Sk -69° 249 A (inNGC 2074ofLMC) | 4,130,000 | -11.8 | 160,000 | 10.68 | 38,900 | O7If | SIMBAD | [14][15] |
η Carinae A (inTrumpler 16ofCarina Nebula) | 4,000,000 | -11.77 | 7,500 | 4.3 (combined) | 9,400-35,200 | LBV | SIMBAD | [16][17][18][b] |
V4998 Sagittarii (near Quintuplet Cluster) | 3,981,000 | -11.76 | 25,000 | 12.534 (J band) | 12,000 | WN5b | SIMBAD | [19][12] |
R136c (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 3,802,000 | -11.71 | 163,000 | 13.43 | 51,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | [20][3] |
Arches-F7 (WR 102aj in Arches Cluster) | 3,802,000 | -11.71 | 25,000 | 15.74 (J band) | 32,900 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [21][22] |
R136a3 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 3,631,000 | -11.66 | 163,000 | 12.97 | 50,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | [7][8] |
Melnick 42 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 3,631,000 | -11.66 | 163,000 | 12.78 | 47,300 | O2If* | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
Mercer 23-2 (WR 125–3 in Mercer 23 near Galactic plane) | 3,631,000 | -11.66 | 21,200 | 8.646 (J band) | 38,000 | WNL7-8 | SIMBAD | [24][12][c] |
R136a2 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 3,548,000 | -11.64 | 163,000 | 12.34 | 50,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | [7][8] |
NGC 2403 V14 (inNGC 2403) | 3,436,000 | -11.6 | 10,314,000 | 18.83 | 7,000 | F5Ie | SIMBAD | [25] |
G0.070+0.025 (inGalactic Center) | 3,311,000 | -11.56 | 26,000 | 14.799 (J band) | 45,000 | O4-6If+ | SIMBAD | [4] |
Pistol Star (V4647 Sagittarii in Quintuplet cluster) | 3,300,000 | -11.556 | 25,000 | 11.79 (J band) | 11,800 | LBV | SIMBAD | [26][27] |
Mercer 30-1 A (WR 46-3 A in Mercer 30ofDragonfish Nebula) | 3,236,000 | -11.535 | 40,000 | 10.33 (J band) | 32,200 | O6-7.5If+ | SIMBAD | [28][d] |
VFTS 682 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 3,236,000 | -11.535 | 164,000 | 16.08 | 52,200 | WN5h | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
WR 42e (inHD 97950ofNGC 3603) | 3,200,000 | -11.523 | 25,000 | 14.53 | 43,000 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | [29][e] |
R99 (inN44ofLMC) | 3,162,000 | -11.51 | 163,000 | 11.52 | 28,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | [2][30] |
VFTS 1022 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 3,020,000 | -11.46 | 164,000 | 13.47 | 42,200 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
WR 24 (inCollinder 228ofCarina Nebula) | 2,951,000 | -11.435 | 8,200 | 6.48 | 50,100 | WN6ha-w | SIMBAD | [31][32] |
Peony Star (WR 102ka in Peony Nebula near Galactic Center) | 2,951,000 | -11.435 | 26,000 | 12.978 (J band) | 25,100 | WN10 | SIMBAD | [33] |
CXOGC J174528.6-285605 (WR 101–6 in Galactic Center) | 2,884,000 | -11.41 | 26,000 | 14.46 (J band) | 30,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [22] |
G0.059-0.068 (inGalactic Center) | 2,884,000 | -11.41 | 26,000 | 13.337 (J band) | 39,500-44,000 | B0-1Ia+/WNLh | SIMBAD | [4][5] |
HD 97950 B (WR 43b in HD 97950ofNGC 3603) | 2,884,000 | -11.41 | 24,000 | 11.33 | 42,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | [34][35] |
HD 38282 A (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,754,000 | -11.35 | 163,000 | 11.11 (combined) | 50,000 | WN5-6h | SIMBAD | [36] |
Melnick 34 A (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,692,000 | -11.335 | 163,000 | 13.09 (combined) | 63,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | [37][3] |
WR 102hb (inQuintuplet Cluster) | 2,630,000 | -11.31 | 26,000 | 13.9 (J band) | 25,100 | WN9h | SIMBAD | [38][27] |
[BMS2003] 578 C (inNGC 604ofTriangulum Galaxy) | 2,564,000 | -11.28 | 2,700,000 | 15.97 (combined) | 34,000 | O9II | SIMBAD | [6] |
BAT99-80 A (inNGC 2044ofLMC) | 2,512,000 | -11.26 | 165,000 | 13 (combined) | 45,000 | O4If | SIMBAD | [2][39] |
R146 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,512,000 | -11.26 | 164,000 | 13.11 | 63,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD | [2][3] |
VFTS 482 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,512,000 | -11.26 | 164,000 | 12.95 | 42,200 | O3If*/WN6-A | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
HD 97950 A1a (WR 43a A in HD 97950ofNGC 3603) | 2,455,000 | -11.235 | 24,000 | 11.18 (combined) | 42,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | [34][35] |
WR 102ea (inQuintuplet Cluster) | 2,455,000 | -11.235 | 26,000 | 13.18 (J band) | 25,100 | WN9h | SIMBAD | [38][27] |
HD 38282 B (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,455,000 | -11.235 | 163,000 | 11.11 (combined) | 45,000 | WN6-7h | SIMBAD | [36] |
CXOGC J174516.1-284909 (WR 101–2 in Galactic Center) | 2,399,000 | -11.21 | 26,000 | 11.49 (J band) | 20,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | [22] |
CXOGC J174711.4-283006 (WR 102–9 in Galactic Center) | 2,399,000 | -11.21 | 26,000 | 16.56 (J band) | 30,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [22] |
WR 25 A (inTrumpler 16ofCarina Nebula) | 2,399,000 | -11.21 | 6,800 | 8.8 (combined) | 50,100 | O2.5If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | [31][30][f] |
LGGS J004444.52+412804.0 (inAndromeda Galaxy) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 2,500,000 | 18.1 | 7,000-18,000 | F0Ia | SIMBAD | [40][41] |
HD 269327 (inLMC) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 163,000 | 10.74 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | [13] |
Sk -69° 212 (inNGC 2044ofLMC) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 160,000 | 12.416 | 45,400 | O6If | SIMBAD | [14][42] |
WR 93 (inPismis 24ofNGC 6357) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 5,700 | 10.68 | 71,000 | WC7 | SIMBAD | [43][30] |
Melnick 34 B (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,344,000 | -11.185 | 163,000 | 13.09 (combined) | 53,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | [37][3] |
VVV CL041-8 (WR 62–2 in VVV CL041) | 2,344,000 | -11.185 | 13,700 | 10.146 (J band) | 34,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [44][12][g] |
Cl 1813-178 #16 (inCl 1813-178ofW33 Complex) | 2,291,000 | -11.16 | 15,300 | 9.428 (J band) | 30,200 | O8-O9If | SIMBAD | [45][12][h] |
R136a7 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,291,000 | -11.16 | 163,000 | 13.97 | 54,000 | O3III(f*) | SIMBAD | [46][3] |
VVV CL074-12 (inVVV CL074) | 2,291,000 | -11.16 | 20,000 | 12.34 (J band) | 22,500 | B0.5-2I | SIMBAD | [47][i] |
Arches-F6 (WR 102ah in Arches Cluster) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 25,000 | 15.75 (J band) | 33,900 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [21][48] |
Arches-F9 (WR 102ae in Arches Cluster) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 25,000 | 16.1 (J band) | 36,600 | WN9h | SIMBAD | [21][48] |
HD 5980 A (inNGC 346ofSMC) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 200,000 | 11.31 (combined) | 21,000-53,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD | [49][50][j] |
HD 97950 C1 (WR 43c A in HD 97950ofNGC 3603) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 24,000 | 11.89 (combined) | 44,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | [34][35][f] |
R136b (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 165,000 | 13.24 | 35,500 | O4If | SIMBAD | [46][3] |
R145 A (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 163,000 | 12.04 (combined) | 50,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | [51][3] |
Var 83 (inTriangulum Galaxy) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 3,000,000 | 16.027 | 18,000-37,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | [52][53] |
CXOGC J174712.2-283121 (WR 102–10 in Galactic Center) | 2,188,000 | -11.11 | 26,000 | 17.06 (J band) | 35,000 | WN7-8h | SIMBAD | [22] |
VFTS 1021 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,188,000 | -11.11 | 164,000 | 13.35 | 39,800 | O4 If+ | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
ST5-31 (inNGC 2074ofLMC) | 2,168,000 | -11.1 | 160,000 | 12.273 | 50,700 | O2-3(n)fp | SIMBAD | [14][54] |
HD 268804 (inLMC) | 2,148,000 | -11.09 | 163,000 | 11.21 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | [13] |
G0.058+0.014 (inGalactic Center) | 2,138,000 | -11.085 | 26,000 | 14.704 (J band) | 45,000 | O4-6If+ | SIMBAD | [4] |
R145 B (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,138,000 | -11.085 | 163,000 | 12.04 (combined) | 43,000 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD | [51][3] |
WR 89 (inHM 1) | 2,138,000 | -11.085 | 9,500 | 11.02 | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | [31][15] |
R136a5 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 2,089,000 | -11.06 | 163,000 | 13.71 | 48,000 | O2I(n)f* | SIMBAD | [46][3] |
AFGL 2298 (near Galactic plane) | 2,000,000 | -11.013 | 33,000 | 12.164 (J band) | 15,500-26,000 | B8I | SIMBAD | [55][12][k] |
Arches-F1 (WR 102ad in Arches Cluster) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 25,000 | 16.3 (J band) | 33,200 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD | [21][48] |
Arches-F4 (WR 102al in Arches Cluster) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 25,000 | 15.63 (J band) | 36,800 | WN7-8 | SIMBAD | [21][48] |
CXOGC J174656.3-283232 (WR 102–8 in Galactic Center) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 26,000 | 16.74 (J band) | 30,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [22] |
LBV 1806-20 (inG10.0–0.3ofGalactic Center) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 28,000 | 13.66 (J band) | 18,000-32,000 | O9 - B2 | SIMBAD | [56][12][l] |
Mercer 81-2 (WR 76–7 in Mercer 81ofG338.4+0.2) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 35,900 | 13.25 (J band) | 36,000 | WN7-8 | SIMBAD | [57][m] |
VFTS 545 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 164,000 | 13.32 | 47,300 | O2If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
WR 147S (inCygnus OB2) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 5,800 | 13.86 | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | [31][58] |
10584-9-1 (inMessier 81) | 1,977,000 | -11.0 | 11,842,000 | 19.1 | 18,000 | sgB[e] | SIMBAD | [25] |
2MASS J04542610-6911022 (inLMC) | 1,959,000 | -10.99 | 163,000 | 12.68 | 37,200 | O7V | SIMBAD | [13] |
DBSB 179-15 (WR 84–6 in DBSB 179ofG347.6+0.2) | 1,950,000 | -10.985 | 25,800 | 12.5 (J band) | 37,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [59][60][n] |
G0.114+0.021 (WR 102–12 in Galactic Center) | 1,950,000 | -10.985 | 26,000 | 16.672 (J band) | 40,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [4] |
AB6 A (inNGC 371ofSMC) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 197,000 | 12.3 (combined) | 80,000 | WN3:h | SIMBAD | [49][61] |
R136a4 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 163,000 | 13.41 | 50,000 | O3 V((f*))(n) | SIMBAD | [46][3] |
Westerhout 49-1 (inWesterhout 49) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 36,200 | 15.531 (J band) | 44,700 | O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD | [11][12] |
WR 22 A (inBochum 10ofCarina Nebula) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 8,200 | 6.42 (combined) | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | [31][30][o] |
HD 269219 (inLMC) | 1,888,000 | -10.95 | 163,000 | 10.87 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | [13] |
HSH95-36 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,862,000 | -10.935 | 163,000 | 14.41 | 49,500 | O2 If∗ | SIMBAD | [46][3] |
Hen 3-519 (WR 31a in Blue Bubble Nebula) | 1,820,000 | -10.91 | 24,000 | 10.85 | 30,200 | WN11h | SIMBAD | [62][50][p] |
W61 3-20 (inLMC) | 1,820,000 | -10.91 | 163,000 | 13.55 | 39,800 | O5-6V((f))z | SIMBAD | [13] |
Westerhout 51-57 (inWesterhout 51) | 1,820,000 | -10.91 | 20,000 | 16.958 (J band) | 42,700 | O4 V | SIMBAD | [63][12] |
LGGS J004051.59+403303.0 (inAndromeda Galaxy) | 1,803,000 | -10.9 | 2,500,000 | 16.989 | 18,000-24,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | [40][10] |
MSX5C G358.5391+00.1305 (inWray 17-96) | 1,800,000 | -10.898 | 15,000 | 15 | 13,000 | B[e]: | SIMBAD | [64][15][q] |
HD 5980 B (inNGC 346ofSMC) | 1,778,000 | -10.885 | 200,000 | 11.31 (combined) | 45,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD | [49][35] |
WR 130 (inCygnus OB3) | 1,778,000 | -10.885 | 21,700 | 12.13 | 44,700 | WN8(h) | SIMBAD | [31][15] |
WR 21a A (Runaway star from Westerlund 2) | 1,778,000 | -10.885 | 14,300 | 12.661 (combined) | 45,000 | O3/WN5ha | SIMBAD | [65][15] |
V4650 Sagittarii (inQuintuplet cluster) | 1,770,000 – 7,943,000 | -12.5 – -10.9 | 25,000 | 12.31 (J band) | 11,300 | LBV | SIMBAD | [19][27] |
CXOGC J174536.1-285638 (WR 101–1 in Galactic Center) | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 26,000 | 15.55 (J band) | 30,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [22] |
Mercer 30-7 A (WR 46-5 A in Mercer 30ofDragonfish Nebula) | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 40,000 | 11.516 (J band) | 41,400 | WN6 | SIMBAD | [28][d] |
R136a6 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 163,000 | 13.35 | 52,000 | O2I(n)f*p | SIMBAD | [46][3] |
VFTS 506 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 164,000 | 13.31 | 47,300 | ON2V((n))((f*)) | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
HD 35342 B (inLMC) | 1,722,000 | -10.85 | 163,000 | 11.28 | 24,000 | B0.5I | SIMBAD | [13] |
CPD -69 471 (inLMC) | 1,706,000 | -10.84 | 163,000 | 12.37 | 42,700 | O2-3(n)fp | SIMBAD | [13] |
DBSB 179-20 (WR 84–1 in DBSB 179ofG347.6+0.2) | 1,698,000 | -10.835 | 25,800 | 12.37 (J band) | 35,000 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD | [59][60][n] |
R147 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,698,000 | -10.835 | 164,000 | 13.02 | 50,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | [2][3] |
VFTS 16 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,698,000 | -10.835 | 164,000 | 13.55 | 53,100 | O2IIIf* | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
Cygnus OB2 #12 A (inCygnus OB2) | 1,660,000 | -10.81 | 5,000 | 11.702 (combined) | 13,700 | B3–4 Ia+ | SIMBAD | [66][67][f] |
PGMW 3120 (inLMC) | 1,644,000 | -10.8 | 163,000 | 12.47 | 39,800 | O5.5V((f*)) | SIMBAD | [13] |
Sher 18 (inHD 97950ofNGC 3603) | 1,644,000 | -10.8 | 25,000 | 12.51 | 39,500 | O3.5If | SIMBAD | [35][68] |
Sher 47 (inHD 97950ofNGC 3603) | 1,644,000 | -10.8 | 25,000 | 12.67 | 44,000 | O4V | SIMBAD | [35][68] |
Mercer 23-1 (inMercer 23 near Galactic plane) | 1,622,000 | -10.785 | 21,200 | 10.615 (J band) | 35,000 | O5.5I | SIMBAD | [24][12][c] |
VFTS 1017 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,622,000 | -10.785 | 164,000 | 14.52 | 50,100 | O2 If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
WR 87 (inHM 1) | 1,622,000 | -10.785 | 9,500 | 11.83 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | [31][15] |
HD 269896 (inLMC) | 1,600,000 | -10.77 | 163,000 | 11.36 | 29,500 | ON9.7Ia+ | SIMBAD | [13] |
AF Andromedae (inAndromeda Galaxy) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 2,500,000 | 17.325 | 28,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | [52][10] |
Arches-F12 (WR 102af in Arches Cluster) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 25,000 | 16.4 (J band) | 36,900 | WN7-8 | SIMBAD | [21][48] |
HSH95-18 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 163,000 | 13.87 | 47,000 | O3III(f+) | SIMBAD | [3] |
LHO 110 (WR 102df in Quintuplet cluster) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 26,000 | 13.87 (J band) | 25,100 | O6–8If | SIMBAD | [38][27] |
R140a1 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 163,000 | 12.12 (combined) | 34,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD | [3] |
BI 265 (inLMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 163,000 | 12.38 | 40,700 | O5III(fc) | SIMBAD | |
VFTS 457 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 164,000 | 13.74 | 39,800 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
WR 107 (inSagittarius OB1) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 9,400 | 13.51 | 50,100 | WN8 | SIMBAD | [31][15] |
WR 140 B (inCygnus OB1) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 5,300 | 6.85 (combined) | 35,000 | O5 | SIMBAD | [69][30] |
WR 148 A (Runaway star from Galactic plane) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 27,100 | 10.3 (combined) | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | [31][30] |
CXOGC J174617.0-285131 (inGalactic Center) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 26,000 | 14.98 (J band) | 40,000 | O6If+ | SIMBAD | [22] |
CXOGC J174725.3-282709 (inGalactic Center) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 26,000 | 16.37 (J band) | 30,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | [22] |
Sk -68° 137 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 160,000 | 13.346 | 55,000 | OB | SIMBAD | [70][42] |
WR 102i (inQuintuplet cluster) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 26,000 | 14.31 (J band) | 31,600 | WN9h | SIMBAD | [38][27] |
HD 97950 A1b (WR 43a B in HD 97950ofNGC 3603) | 1,514,000 | -10.71 | 24,000 | 11.18 (combined) | 40,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | [34][35] |
Westerhout 49-3 (inWesterhout 49) | 1,514,000 | -10.71 | 36,200 | 16.689 (J band) | 40,700 | O3-O7V | SIMBAD | [11][12] |
Brey 21 A (inNGC 1910ofLMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 165,000 | 11.29 (combined) | 71,000 | WN | SIMBAD | [14][15] |
HD 97950 A2 (inHD 97950ofNGC 3603) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 24,000 | 12.53 | 46,500 | O3V | SIMBAD | [35][68] |
HM 1-6 (inHM 1) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 11,000 | 11.64 | 44,700 | O5.5Ifc | SIMBAD | [43][71] |
LGGS J013245.41+303858.3 (inTriangulum Galaxy) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 3,000,000 | 17.612 | 34,000 | Ofpe | SIMBAD | [72][10] |
NGC 346-W1 (inNGC 346ofSMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 200,000 | 12.57 | 43,400 | O4If | SIMBAD | [14][61] |
Sk -65° 47 (inNGC 1923ofLMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 160,000 | 12.466 | 47,800 | O4If | SIMBAD | [14][42] |
Sk 80 (inNGC 346ofSMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 200,000 | 12.31 | 38,900 | O7Iaf+ | SIMBAD | [14][73] |
10584-4-1 (inMessier 81) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 11,842,000 | 19.68 | 19,671 | sgB[e] | SIMBAD | [25] |
HD 93129 Aa (inTrumpler 14ofCarina Nebula) | 1,479,000 | -10.685 | 7,500 | 6.9 (combined) | 42,500 | O2If* | SIMBAD | [74][30] |
R136a8 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,479,000 | -10.685 | 163,000 | 14.42 | 49,500 | O2–3V | SIMBAD | [46][75] |
SK -67 150 (inLMC) | 1,472,000 | -10.68 | 163,000 | 12.24 | 41,700 | OB | SIMBAD | [13] |
[HCD2002] 107 (inLMC) | 1,445,000 | -10.66 | 163,000 | 13.79 | 40,700 | O4-6Vz | SIMBAD | [13] |
VFTS 542 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,445,000 | -10.66 | 164,000 | 13.49 | 44,700 | O2If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
AB8 A (inNGC 602ofSMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 197,000 | 12.9 (combined) | 141,000 | WO4 | SIMBAD | [49][76] |
Arches-F15 (inArches Cluster) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 25,000 | 16.12 (J band) | 35,600 | O4-6If | SIMBAD | [21][48] |
CXOGC J174550.2-284911 (WR 102–4 in Galactic Center) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 26,000 | 15.24 (J band) | 30,000 | WN9h | SIMBAD | [22] |
DBSB 179-4 (WR 84–7 in DBSB 179ofG347.6+0.2) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 25,800 | 12.25 (J band) | 30,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | [59][60][n] |
LGGS J013235.25+303017.6 (inTriangulum Galaxy) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 3,000,000 | 18.007 | 33,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | [9][77] |
Melnick 33Na A (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 164,000 | 13.79 (combined) | 50,000 | OC2.5If* | SIMBAD | [78][79] |
R134 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 164,000 | 12.58 | 47,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | [2][3] |
S Doradus (inNGC 1910ofLMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 169,000 | 10.25 | 20,000 | B8/9eq – F0/5:Iae | SIMBAD | [80][15] |
WR 66 (inCircinus OB1) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 16,900 | 11.34 | 44,700 | WN8(h) | SIMBAD | [31][30] |
HD 37974 (inN135ofLMC) | 1,400,000 | -10.625 | 163,000 | 10.99 | 22,500 | B0.5Ia+ | SIMBAD | [81][15][r] |
HD 269846 (inLMC) | 1,406,000 | -10.63 | 163,000 | 11.63 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | [13] |
W61 3-24 (inLMC) | 1,393,000 | -10.62 | 163,000 | 14.03 | 43,700 | O3.5V(f+) | SIMBAD | [13] |
VFTS 621 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,380,000 | -10.61 | 164,000 | 15.39 | 54,000 | O2V((f*))z | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
WR 131 (inCygnus OB3) | 1,380,000 | -10.61 | 22,600 | 12.08 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | [31][71] |
Sk -69° 104 (inNGC 1910ofLMC) | 1,368,000 | -10.6 | 160,000 | 12.1 | 39,900 | O6Ib(f) | SIMBAD | [14][42] |
Var A-1 (inAndromeda Galaxy) | 1,368,000 | -10.6 | 2,500,000 | 17.143 | 21,700 | LBV | SIMBAD | [82] |
Mercer 30-6a A (WR 46-4 A in Mercer 30ofDragonfish Nebula) | 1,349,000 | -10.585 | 40,000 | 10.39 (J band) | 29,900 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | [28][d] |
VFTS 427 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,349,000 | -10.585 | 164,000 | 13.76 | 39,800 | WN8 | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
Westerhout 51-3 (inWesterhout 51) | 1,349,000 | -10.585 | 20,000 | 16.998 (J band) | 39,800 | O3-8V | SIMBAD | [63][12] |
HD 269722 (inLMC) | 1,343,000 | -10.58 | 163,000 | 11.52 | 28,200 | OBe | SIMBAD | [13] |
CXOGC J174502.8-290859 (inGalactic Center) | 1,318,000 | -10.56 | 26,000 | 13.93 (J band) | 33,000 | O9I-B0I | SIMBAD | [22] |
HSH95-49 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,318,000 | -10.56 | 163,000 | 14.75 | 58,000 | O3V | SIMBAD | [46][3][s] |
HD 269810 (inNGC 2032 of LMC) | 1,318,000 | -10.56 | 163,000 | 12.28 | 44,700 | O2III(f*) | SIMBAD | [13] |
HD 270145 (inLMC) | 1,306,000 | -10.55 | 163,000 | 12.17 | 43,700 | O6.5Iaf | [13] | |
Westerhout 49-15 (inWesterhout 49) | 1,288,000 | -10.535 | 36,200 | 18.307 (J band) | 43,700 | O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD | [11][12] |
Westerhout 51d (inWesterhout 51) | 1,288,000 | -10.535 | 20,000 | 15.11 (J band) | 42,700 | SIMBAD | [63][12] | |
WR 18 (inCarina OB1ofCarina Nebula) | 1,288,000 | -10.535 | 12,450 | 10.83 | 112,200 | WN4-s | SIMBAD | [31][15] |
[BMS2003] 578 B (inNGC 604ofTriangulum Galaxy) | 1,285,000 | -10.53 | 2,700,000 | 15.97 (combined) | 32,000 | O9Ia | SIMBAD | [6] |
AB7 A (inNGC 371ofSMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 197,000 | 13.016 (combined) | 105,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD | [49][61] |
Arches-F3 (WR 102bb in Arches Cluster) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 25,000 | 16.06 (J band) | 29,600 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [21][48] |
Arches-F8 (WR 102ag in Arches Cluster) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 25,000 | 16.31 (J band) | 32,900 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [21][48] |
HD 50064 (inNGC 2301) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 9,500 | 8.21 | 13,500 | B6Ia | SIMBAD | [83] |
HSH95-16 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 13.65 | 42,000 | OC2.5If* | SIMBAD | [3] |
HSH95-20 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 164,000 | 13.71 | 46,000 | O2If* | SIMBAD | [3] |
HSH95-46 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 14.56 | 47,500 | SIMBAD | [46][3] | |
R139 A (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 11.94 (combined) | 34,000 | O6.5Iafc | SIMBAD | [84][3] |
VFTS 259 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 164,000 | 13.65 | 37,700 | O6Iaf | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
VFTS 1031 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 164,000 | 13.89 | 48,000 | O3.5 | SIMBAD | [3] |
NGC 2070 MH 980 (inNGC 2070ofLMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 13.68 | 42,700 | O4V | SIMBAD | [13] |
Sk -69° 194 (inNGC 2033ofLMC) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 160,000 | 12.131 (combined) | 45,000 | B0I | SIMBAD | [14][85] |
ST2-22 (inNGC 2044ofLMC) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 160,000 | 14.3 | 51,300 | O3.5III(f+) | SIMBAD | [14][39] |
HD 269215 (inLMC) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 163,000 | 11.94 | 36,300 | OB | SIMBAD | [13] |
Trumpler 27-27 (inTrumpler 27) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 8,200 | 13.31 | 37,000 | O8III((f)) | SIMBAD | [43][15] |
VFTS 1028 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,230,000 | -10.485 | 164,000 | 13.84 | 47,300 | O3.5-4.5 | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
LH 10-3601 (inNGC 1763ofLMC) | 1,202,000 | -10.46 | 160,000 | 13.491 | 55,000 | ON2III(f*) | SIMBAD | [70][42] |
AB1 (inDEM S10ofSMC) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 197,000 | 15.238 | 79,000 | WN3 | SIMBAD | [86][61][t] |
BI 253 (Runaway star from Tarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 164,000 | 13.76 | 54,000 | O2V-III(n)((f*)) | SIMBAD | [20][87] |
LGGS J013248.26+303950.4 (inTriangulum Galaxy) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 3,000,000 | 17.25 | 23,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | [9][88] |
Mercer 30-8 (WR 46–6 in Mercer 30ofDragonfish Nebula) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 40,000 | 11.658 (J band) | 38,100 | WN7 | SIMBAD | [28][d] |
NGC 346-W3 (inNGC 346ofSMC) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 200,000 | 12.8 | 52,500 | O2III(f) | SIMBAD | [70][61] |
WR 102d (inQuintuplet cluster) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 26,000 | 15.18 (J band) | 35,100 | WN9h | SIMBAD | [38][27] |
WR 126 (inVulpecula OB2) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 24,680 | 13.29 | 63,000 | WC5 | SIMBAD | [89][15] |
WR 20a A (inWesterlund 2) | 1,150,000 | -10.412 | 20,000 | 13.28 (combined) | 43,000 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | [90] |
WR 20a B (inWesterlund 2) | 1,150,000 | -10.412 | 20,000 | 13.28 (combined) | 43,000 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | [90] |
GCIRS 16SW A (WR 101k A in Galactic Center) | 1,149,000 | -10.411 | 26,000 | 15.5 (J band) | 24,400 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | [91] |
GCIRS 16SW B (WR 101k B in Galactic Center) | 1,149,000 | -10.411 | 26,000 | 15.5 (J band) | 23,500 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | [91] |
BAT99-104 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 165,000 | 14.52 | 63,000 | O2If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | [2][3] |
CXOGC J174516.7-285824 (WR 101–3 in Galactic Center) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 26,000 | 16.67 (J band) | 35,000 | WN7-8h | SIMBAD | [22] |
G0.121-0.099 (WR 102–16 in Galactic Center) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 26,000 | 14.972 (J band) | 40,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | [4] |
G359.797+0.037 (inGalactic Center) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 26,000 | 16.1 (J band) | 30,000 | B0-2I | SIMBAD | [4] |
HD 93205 A (inTrumpler 16ofCarina Nebula) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 7,500 | 7.75 (combined) | 51,300 | O3.5Vf | SIMBAD | [92][30] |
HSH95-47 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 163,000 | 14.72 | 46,500 | O3III | SIMBAD | [46][3][s] |
WR 158 (inCassiopeia OB1) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 16,300 | 11.282 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | [31][67] |
WR 28 (inFSR 1555) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 18,700 | 12.98 | 50,100 | WN6(h)-w | SIMBAD | [31][15][u] |
HD 303308 (inTrumpler 16ofCarina Nebula) | 1,138,000 | -10.4 | 7,500 | 8.17 | 51,300 | O3V | SIMBAD | [43][30] |
M33C-15235 (inTriangulum Galaxy) | 1,138,000 | -10.4 | 3,000,000 | 17.73 | 29,200 | WN/Of | SIMBAD | [72][93] |
ZH 364 (inMessier 81) | 1,138,000 | -10.4 | 11,842,000 | 19.59 | 15,860 | LBV?e | SIMBAD | [25] |
HD 269700 (inLMC) | 1,127,000 | -10.39 | 163,000 | 10.54 | 19,500 | B1.5Iaeq | SIMBAD | [13] |
AB9 (inDEM S80ofSMC) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 197,000 | 15.431 | 100,000 | WN3ha | SIMBAD | [86][61][v] |
Arches-F18 (inArches Cluster) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 25,000 | 16.7 (J band) | 36,900 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | [21][48] |
BAT99-64 A (inNGC 2033ofLMC) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 165,000 | 14.073 (combined) | 71,000 | WN4o | SIMBAD | [2][42] |
Var B (inTriangulum Galaxy) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 3,000,000 | 16.208 | 9,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | [52][10] |
VFTS 562 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 164,000 | 13.66 | 42,200 | O4III(f) | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
WR 37 (inSFC 27ofG291.27-0.71) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 21,900 | 16 | 100,000 | WN4-s | SIMBAD | [31][15][w] |
SK -69 98 (inLMC) | 1,096,000 | -10.36 | 163,000 | 12.29 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | [13] |
VFTS 512 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,096,000 | -10.36 | 164,000 | 14.28 | 47,700 | O2V-III((f*)) | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
Mercer 30-6b (inMercer 30ofDragonfish Nebula) | 1,072,000 | -10.335 | 40,000 | 14.25 (J band) | 30,500 | O6If | SIMBAD | [28][d] |
VFTS 3 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,072,000 | -10.335 | 164,000 | 11.56 | 21,000 | B1Ia+ | SIMBAD | [20][3] |
VFTS 151 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,072,000 | -10.335 | 164,000 | 14.13 | 42,200 | O6.5II(f)p | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
VFTS 603 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,060,000 | -10.323 | 164,000 | 13.99 | 43,400 | O4III(fc) | SIMBAD | [94][3] |
HD 268605 (inLMC) | 1,057,000 | -10.32 | 163,000 | 11.34 | 28,200 | O9.5/B0Ia | SIMBAD | [13] |
CXOGC J174532.7-285126 (inGalactic Center) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 26,000 | 10.72 (J band) | 40,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | [22] |
HD 93403 A (inTrumpler 16ofCarina Nebula) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 10,000 | 8.27 (combined) | 39,300 | O5.5III(fc)var | SIMBAD | [95][15] |
Mercer 30-2 (inMercer 30ofDragonfish Nebula) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 40,000 | 12.63 (J band) | 21,200 | B1-4Ia+ | SIMBAD | [28][d] |
R133 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 163,000 | 12.49 | 37,600 | O7/8II | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
HD 269786 (inLMC) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 163,000 | 11.18 | 24,000 | B1I | SIMBAD | [13] |
HD 97950 E (inHD 97950ofNGC 3603) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 24,000 | 13.081 | 46,500 | O5.5III(f) | SIMBAD | [35][68] |
HD 229059 (inBerkeley 87) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 3,200 | 8.7 | 26,300 | B1Ia | SIMBAD | [43][30] |
M33C-10788 (inTriangulum Galaxy) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 3,000,000 | 17.95 | 32,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | [72][93] |
Sk -69° 200 (inNGC 2033ofLMC) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 160,000 | 11.18 | 26,300 | B1I | SIMBAD | [14][15] |
Sk -69° 259 (inNGC 2081ofLMC) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 160,000 | 11.93 | 30,000 | B[e] | SIMBAD | [14][15] |
WR 77k (inWesterlund 1) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 11,000 | 18.86 | 35,000 | WN7 | SIMBAD | [96][97] |
10182-pr-6 (inNGC 2403) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 10,314,000 | 18.79 | 8,000 | A8-F0Ie | SIMBAD | [25] |
[RP2006] 542 (inLMC) | 1,028,000 | -10.29 | 163,000 | 16.75 | 29,500 | B0IV[e] | SIMBAD | [13] |
HD 93250 A (inTrumpler 16ofCarina Nebula) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 7,500 | 7.5 (combined) | 46,000 | O4 IV(fc) | SIMBAD | [98][30][f] |
VFTS 267 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 164,000 | 13.49 | 44,700 | O3III-I(n)f* | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
VFTS 599 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 164,000 | 13.8 | 47,300 | O3III(f*) | SIMBAD | [20][3] |
VVV CL074-9 (WR 75–29 in VVV CL074) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 20,000 | 15.22 (J band) | 37,000 | WN7/O4-6If+ | SIMBAD | [47][i] |
WR 156 (inCepheus OB1) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 13,400 | 11.01 | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | [31][50] |
HD 269050 (inLMC) | 1,019,000 | -10.28 | 163,000 | 11.54 | 28,200 | B0Ia(e?) | SIMBAD | [13] |
Arches-F2 (WR 102aa in Arches Cluster) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 25,000 | 17.84 (J band) | 33,500 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD | [21][48] |
Arches-F14 (WR 102ba in Arches Cluster) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 25,000 | 16.38 (J band) | 34,500 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD | [21][48] |
BAT99-68 (inBSDL 2505ofLMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.13 | 45,000 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | [2][99][x] |
CXOGC J174628.2-283920 (inGalactic Center) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 26,000 | 16.99 (J band) | 40,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | [22] |
CXOGC J174703.1-283119 (inGalactic Center) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 26,000 | 16.23 (J band) | 40,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | [22] |
HSH95-28 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.09 | 48,000 | O3V | SIMBAD | [3] |
HSH95-31 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.12 | 48,000 | SIMBAD | [46][3][s] | |
HSH95-57 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.8 | 47,000 | O3III | SIMBAD | [3] |
R135 A (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 13.48 (combined) | 50,000 | WN7h | SIMBAD | [2][3] |
R140a2 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 12.12 (combined) | 34,000 | WC5 | SIMBAD | [3] |
R142 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 11.82 (combined) | 21,000 | B0Ia | SIMBAD | [3] |
VFTS 64 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 164,000 | 14.62 | 39,800 | O7.5II(f) | SIMBAD | [23][3] |
VFTS 591 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 164,000 | 12.55 | 27,000 | B0.5Ia | SIMBAD | [3] |
VFTS 1034 (inTarantula NebulaofLMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 164,000 | 13.36 | 34,000 | O8II | SIMBAD | [3] |
VVV CL074-3 (WR 75–28 in VVV CL074) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 20,000 | 14.72 (J band) | 31,500 | WN8 | SIMBAD | [47][i] |
A few notable stars of luminosity less than 1 million L☉ are kept here for the purpose of comparison.
This is a list of bright transient stars or astronomical events.
Star or transient event name | Bolometric luminosity (L☉, Sun = 1) |
Absolute bolometric magnitude |
Approx. distance from Earth (ly) |
Apparent visible magnitude |
Effective temperature (K) |
Link | Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NGC 2363-V1 (inNGC 2366) | 6,300,000 | -12.26 | 10,800,000 | 17.88 | 13,500-26,000 | SIMBAD | [164] |
Note that even the most luminous stars are much less luminous than the more luminous persistent extragalactic objects, such as quasars. For example, 3C 273 has an average apparent magnitude of 12.8 (when observing with a telescope), but an absolute magnitude of −26.7. If this object were 10 parsecs away from Earth it would appear nearly as bright in the sky as the Sun (apparent magnitude −26.744). This quasar's luminosity is, therefore, about 2 trillion (1012) times that of the Sun, or about 100 times that of the total light of average large galaxies like our Milky Way. (Note that quasars often vary somewhat in luminosity.)
In terms of gamma rays, a magnetar (type of neutron star) called SGR 1806−20, had an extreme burst reach Earth on 27 December 2004. It was the brightest event known to have impacted this planet from an origin outside the Solar System; if these gamma rays were visible, with an absolute magnitude of approximately −29, it would have been brighter than the Sun (as measured by the Swift spacecraft).
The gamma-ray burst GRB 971214 measured in 1998 was at the time thought to be the most energetic event in the observable universe, with the equivalent energy of several hundred supernovae. Later studies pointed out that the energy was probably the energy of one supernova which had been "beamed" towards Earth by the geometry of a relativistic jet.
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