List of most luminous stars facts for kids
This page is about intrinsic luminosity of stars (absolute magnitude). For the brightness of stars as seen from Earth (apparent magnitude), see list of brightest stars.
Photograph of the Sun taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.
This article lists stars based on their true brightness, called their absolute magnitude or stellar luminosity. This is different from how bright a star looks from Earth (its apparent magnitude). We can't directly see a star's true brightness. Instead, scientists figure it out by knowing how bright it looks, how far away it is, and how much dust and gas block its light.
The brightness numbers here are also corrected to include all the light a star gives off, even light we can't see, like ultraviolet or infrared. This is called the bolometric magnitude. Think of it like this: a star's brightness is measured on a special scale where smaller, more negative numbers mean the star is super bright!
Most of the stars on this list are too far away or too dim in visible light for us to see them without a telescope. But some are so incredibly bright that we can see them with our eyes, even from far away! For example, WR 22, WR 24, and Eta Carinae are all in the Carina Nebula and shine with over 1 million times the light of our Sun.
Contents
How Scientists Measure Star Brightness
Measuring how truly bright a star is can be tricky. Here are a few reasons why:
Knowing the Star's Distance
To find a star's true brightness, scientists need to know its exact distance. Imagine a light bulb: a dim bulb up close might look brighter than a super bright one far away. It's the same with stars! If we're off by a little bit in measuring the distance, our calculation for the star's true brightness will be off by a lot. Scientists can only measure distances very accurately for stars up to about 1,000 light-years away.
Dealing with Dust and Gas
Space isn't totally empty! There's dust and gas between us and the stars. This stuff can block or dim a star's light, just like fog makes car headlights look dimmer. This "extinction" can be a huge problem to figure out. For example, the center of our own Milky Way galaxy was completely hidden from our view until we developed special telescopes that could see infrared light about 50 years ago.
Measuring All Kinds of Light
Stars don't just shine in visible light. They give off energy across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, including ultraviolet and infrared light. To get a star's total brightness (its bolometric magnitude), scientists have to guess how much light is being given off in the parts of the spectrum we can't easily see. Many of the brightest stars on this list are very hot and blue, meaning they give off most of their energy in ultraviolet light, which our eyes can't see.
Finding Hidden Star Systems
Sometimes, what looks like one super bright star is actually two or more stars very close together. These are called binary systems or multiple star systems. When scientists discover a very bright "star," they often find out later that it's actually a group of stars shining together. This happens because the conditions that create huge, bright stars also often create multiple stars at once.
Because of these challenges, different scientists might come up with slightly different brightness values for the same stars. The last stars on the list below are well-known stars that are included for comparison, not because they are the brightest. It's interesting to know that our Sun is actually brighter than about 95% of all the stars nearby! This is because there are so many smaller, cooler, and much dimmer stars out there. Stars range from being 10,000 times dimmer than the Sun to over 1,000,000 times brighter!
Super Bright Stars
This list mainly includes stars in our own Milky Way galaxy and its close neighbors, the Magellanic Clouds. However, scientists can now study some stars in other nearby galaxies to figure out their brightness. Some stars that might be super bright are left off this list if we don't have enough information about their individual brightness (especially if they are part of a binary system).
Even though these stars are incredibly bright, many are too far away to see with just your eyes. Stars that are sometimes visible without a telescope (meaning they have an apparent magnitude of 6.5 or brighter) are highlighted in blue in the table.
Thanks to a cool effect called gravitational lensing, some stars appear much brighter and closer than they are. The first star on this list, Godzilla, is an amazing example. It's in a very distant galaxy and is probably the brightest star ever seen! It's believed to be going through a period where it's extra bright, similar to how Eta Carinae had a huge burst of light in the 1800s.
The first table shows some of the known stars that are at least 1 million times brighter than our Sun. Most of the stars thought to be this bright are listed, but the list isn't complete. The second table shows some well-known stars for you to compare.
| Wolf–Rayet star |
| Luminous blue variable |
| O-type star |
| B-type star |
| A-type star |
| F-type star |
| Star name | Total Brightness (L☉, Sun = 1) |
True Brightness (Magnitude) |
Approx. Distance from Earth (ly) |
How Bright It Looks (Visible Magnitude) |
Surface Temperature (K) | Spectral type | Link | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAT99-98 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 5,012,000 | -12.01 | 165,000 | 13.38 | 45,000 | WN6 | SIMBAD | |
| G0.238-0.071 (in Galactic Center) | 5,012,000 | -12.01 | 26,000 | 14.37 (J band) | 39,500-44,000 | WN11h | SIMBAD | |
| [BMS2003] 867 A (in NGC 604 of Triangulum Galaxy) | 4,932,000 | -12 | 2,700,000 | 16.29 (combined) | 42,400 | O4Iab | SIMBAD | |
| R136a1 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 4,677,000 | -11.94 | 163,000 | 12.28 | 46,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| M33-013406.63 A (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 4,677,000 | -11.935 | 3,000,000 | 16.084 (combined) | 30,000 | O9.5Ia | SIMBAD | |
| [BMS2003] 867 B (in NGC 604 of Triangulum Galaxy) | 4,395,000 | -11.87 | 2,700,00 | 16.29 (combined) | 42,400 | O4Ia | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 49-2 (in Westerhout 49) | 4,365,000 | -11.86 | 36,200 | 18.246 (J band) | 35,500 | O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD | |
| HD 37836 (in LMC) | 4,169,000 | -11.81 | 163,000 | 10.55 | 28,200 | B0Iae | SIMBAD | |
| Sk -69° 249 A (in NGC 2074 of LMC) | 4,130,000 | -11.8 | 160,000 | 10.68 | 38,900 | O7If | SIMBAD | |
| η Carinae A (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 4,000,000 | -11.77 | 7,500 | 4.3 (combined) | 9,400-35,200 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| V4998 Sagittarii (near Quintuplet Cluster) | 3,981,000 | -11.76 | 25,000 | 12.534 (J band) | 12,000 | WN5b | SIMBAD | |
| R136c (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,802,000 | -11.71 | 163,000 | 13.43 | 51,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F7 (WR 102aj in Arches Cluster) | 3,802,000 | -11.71 | 25,000 | 15.74 (J band) | 32,900 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | |
| R136a3 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,631,000 | -11.66 | 163,000 | 12.97 | 50,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| Melnick 42 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,631,000 | -11.66 | 163,000 | 12.78 | 47,300 | O2If* | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| R136a2 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,548,000 | -11.64 | 163,000 | 12.34 | 50,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| NGC 2403 V14 (in NGC 2403) | 3,436,000 | -11.6 | 10,314,000 | 18.83 | 7,000 | F5Ie | SIMBAD | |
| G0.070+0.025 (in Galactic Center) | 3,311,000 | -11.56 | 26,000 | 14.799 (J band) | 45,000 | O4-6If+ | SIMBAD | |
| Pistol Star (V4647 Sagittarii in Quintuplet cluster) | 3,300,000 | -11.556 | 25,000 | 11.79 (J band) | 11,800 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| Mercer 30-1 A (WR 46-3 A in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 3,236,000 | -11.535 | 40,000 | 10.33 (J band) | 32,200 | O6-7.5If+ | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 682 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,236,000 | -11.535 | 164,000 | 16.08 | 52,200 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| WR 42e (in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 3,200,000 | -11.523 | 25,000 | 14.53 | 43,000 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | |
| R99 (in N44 of LMC) | 3,162,000 | -11.51 | 163,000 | 11.52 | 28,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 1022 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,020,000 | -11.46 | 164,000 | 13.47 | 42,200 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 24 (in Collinder 228 of Carina Nebula) | 2,951,000 | -11.435 | 8,200 | 6.48 | 50,100 | WN6ha-w | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| G0.059-0.068 (in Galactic Center) | 2,884,000 | -11.41 | 26,000 | 13.337 (J band) | 39,500-44,000 | B0-1Ia+/WNLh | SIMBAD | |
| HD 97950 B (WR 43b in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 2,884,000 | -11.41 | 24,000 | 11.33 | 42,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 38282 A (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,754,000 | -11.35 | 163,000 | 11.11 (combined) | 50,000 | WN5-6h | SIMBAD | |
| Melnick 34 A (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,692,000 | -11.335 | 163,000 | 13.09 (combined) | 53,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| WR 102hb (in Quintuplet Cluster) | 2,630,000 | -11.31 | 26,000 | 13.9 (J band) | 25,100 | WN9h | SIMBAD | |
| [BMS2003] 578 C (in NGC 604 of Triangulum Galaxy) | 2,564,000 | -11.28 | 2,700,000 | 15.97 (combined) | 34,000 | O9II | SIMBAD | |
| BAT99-80 A (in NGC 2044 of LMC) | 2,512,000 | -11.26 | 165,000 | 13 (combined) | 45,000 | O4If | SIMBAD | |
| R146 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,512,000 | -11.26 | 164,000 | 13.11 | 63,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 482 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,512,000 | -11.26 | 164,000 | 12.95 | 42,200 | O3If*/WN6-A | SIMBAD | |
| HD 97950 A1a (WR 43a A in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 2,455,000 | -11.235 | 24,000 | 11.18 (combined) | 42,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | |
| WR 102ea (in Quintuplet Cluster) | 2,455,000 | -11.235 | 26,000 | 13.18 (J band) | 25,100 | WN9h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 38282 B (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,455,000 | -11.235 | 163,000 | 11.11 (combined) | 45,000 | WN6-7h | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| WR 25 A (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 2,399,000 | -11.21 | 6,800 | 8.8 (combined) | 50,100 | O2.5If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | |
| LGGS J004444.52+412804.0 (in Andromeda Galaxy) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 2,500,000 | 18.1 | 7,000-18,000 | F0Ia | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269327 (in LMC) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 163,000 | 10.74 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | |
| Sk -69° 212 (in NGC 2044 of LMC) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 160,000 | 12.416 | 45,400 | O6If | SIMBAD | |
| WR 93 (in Pismis 24 of NGC 6357) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 5,700 | 10.68 | 71,000 | WC7 | SIMBAD | |
| Melnick 34 B (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,344,000 | -11.185 | 163,000 | 13.09 (combined) | 53,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| Cl 1813-178 #16 (in Cl 1813-178 of W33 Complex) | 2,291,000 | -11.16 | 15,300 | 9.428 (J band) | 30,200 | O8-O9If | SIMBAD | |
| R136a7 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,291,000 | -11.16 | 163,000 | 13.97 | 54,000 | O3III(f*) | SIMBAD | |
| VVV CL074-12 (in VVV CL074) | 2,291,000 | -11.16 | 20,000 | 12.34 (J band) | 22,500 | B0.5-2I | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F6 (WR 102ah in Arches Cluster) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 25,000 | 15.75 (J band) | 33,900 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F9 (WR 102ae in Arches Cluster) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 25,000 | 16.1 (J band) | 36,600 | WN9h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 5980 A (in NGC 346 of SMC) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 200,000 | 11.31 (combined) | 21,000-53,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD | |
| HD 97950 C1 (WR 43c A in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 24,000 | 11.89 (combined) | 44,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | |
| R136b (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 165,000 | 13.24 | 35,500 | O4If | SIMBAD | |
| R145 A (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 163,000 | 12.04 (combined) | 50,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | |
| Var 83 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 3,000,000 | 16.027 | 18,000-37,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| VFTS 1021 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,188,000 | -11.11 | 164,000 | 13.35 | 39,800 | O4 If+ | SIMBAD | |
| ST5-31 (in NGC 2074 of LMC) | 2,168,000 | -11.1 | 160,000 | 12.273 | 50,700 | O2-3(n)fp | SIMBAD | |
| HD 268804 (in LMC) | 2,148,000 | -11.09 | 163,000 | 11.21 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | |
| G0.058+0.014 (in Galactic Center) | 2,138,000 | -11.085 | 26,000 | 14.704 (J band) | 45,000 | O4-6If+ | SIMBAD | |
| R145 B (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,138,000 | -11.085 | 163,000 | 12.04 (combined) | 43,000 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 89 (in HM 1) | 2,138,000 | -11.085 | 9,500 | 11.02 | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | |
| R136a5 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,089,000 | -11.06 | 163,000 | 13.71 | 48,000 | O2I(n)f* | SIMBAD | |
| AFGL 2298 (near Galactic plane) | 2,000,000 | -11.013 | 33,000 | 12.164 (J band) | 15,500-26,000 | B8I | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F1 (WR 102ad in Arches Cluster) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 25,000 | 16.3 (J band) | 33,200 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F4 (WR 102al in Arches Cluster) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 25,000 | 15.63 (J band) | 36,800 | WN7-8 | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| LBV 1806-20 (in G10.0–0.3 of Galactic Center) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 28,000 | 13.66 (J band) | 18,000-32,000 | O9 - B2 | SIMBAD | |
| Mercer 81-2 (WR 76–7 in Mercer 81 of G338.4+0.2) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 35,900 | 13.25 (J band) | 36,000 | WN7-8 | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 545 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 164,000 | 13.32 | 47,300 | O2If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 147S (in Cygnus OB2) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 5,800 | 13.86 | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | |
| 10584-9-1 (in Messier 81) | 1,977,000 | -11.0 | 11,842,000 | 19.1 | 18,000 | sgB[e] | SIMBAD | |
| 2MASS J04542610-6911022 (in LMC) | 1,959,000 | -10.99 | 163,000 | 12.68 | 37,200 | O7V | SIMBAD | |
| DBSB 179-15 (WR 84–6 in DBSB 179 of G347.6+0.2) | 1,950,000 | -10.985 | 25,800 | 12.5 (J band) | 37,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| AB6 A (in NGC 371 of SMC) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 197,000 | 12.3 (combined) | 80,000 | WN3:h | SIMBAD | |
| R136a4 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 163,000 | 13.41 | 50,000 | O3 V((f*))(n) | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 49-1 (in Westerhout 49) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 36,200 | 15.531 (J band) | 44,700 | O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD | |
| WR 22 A (in Bochum 10 of Carina Nebula) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 8,200 | 6.42 (combined) | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269219 (in LMC) | 1,888,000 | -10.95 | 163,000 | 10.87 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-36 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,862,000 | -10.935 | 163,000 | 14.41 | 49,500 | O2 If∗ | SIMBAD | |
| Hen 3-519 (WR 31a in Blue Bubble Nebula) | 1,820,000 | -10.91 | 24,000 | 10.85 | 30,200 | WN11h | SIMBAD | |
| W61 3-20 (in LMC) | 1,820,000 | -10.91 | 163,000 | 13.55 | 39,800 | O5-6V((f))z | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 51-57 (in Westerhout 51) | 1,820,000 | -10.91 | 20,000 | 16.958 (J band) | 42,700 | O4 V | SIMBAD | |
| LGGS J004051.59+403303.0 (in Andromeda Galaxy) | 1,803,000 | -10.9 | 2,500,000 | 16.989 | 18,000-24,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| MSX5C G358.5391+00.1305 (in Wray 17-96) | 1,800,000 | -10.898 | 15,000 | 15 | 13,000 | B[e]: | SIMBAD | |
| HD 5980 B (in NGC 346 of SMC) | 1,778,000 | -10.885 | 200,000 | 11.31 (combined) | 45,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 130 (in Cygnus OB3) | 1,778,000 | -10.885 | 21,700 | 12.13 | 44,700 | WN8(h) | SIMBAD | |
| WR 21a A (Runaway star from Westerlund 2) | 1,778,000 | -10.885 | 14,300 | 12.661 (combined) | 45,000 | O3/WN5ha | SIMBAD | |
| V4650 Sagittarii (in Quintuplet cluster) | 1,770,000 – 7,943,000 | -12.5 – -10.9 | 25,000 | 12.31 (J band) | 11,300 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| Mercer 30-7 A (WR 46-5 A in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 40,000 | 11.516 (J band) | 41,400 | WN6 | SIMBAD | |
| R136a6 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 163,000 | 13.35 | 52,000 | O2I(n)f*p | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 506 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 164,000 | 13.31 | 47,300 | ON2V((n))((f*)) | SIMBAD | |
| HD 35342 B (in LMC) | 1,722,000 | -10.85 | 163,000 | 11.28 | 24,000 | B0.5I | SIMBAD | |
| CPD -69 471 (in LMC) | 1,706,000 | -10.84 | 163,000 | 12.37 | 42,700 | O2-3(n)fp | SIMBAD | |
| DBSB 179-20 (WR 84–1 in DBSB 179 of G347.6+0.2) | 1,698,000 | -10.835 | 25,800 | 12.37 (J band) | 35,000 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD | |
| R147 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,698,000 | -10.835 | 164,000 | 13.02 | 50,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 16 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,698,000 | -10.835 | 164,000 | 13.55 | 53,100 | O2IIIf* | SIMBAD | |
| Cygnus OB2 #12 A (in Cygnus OB2) | 1,660,000 | -10.81 | 5,000 | 11.702 (combined) | 13,700 | B3–4 Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| PGMW 3120 (in LMC) | 1,644,000 | -10.8 | 163,000 | 12.47 | 39,800 | O5.5V((f*)) | SIMBAD | |
| Sher 18 (in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 1,644,000 | -10.8 | 25,000 | 12.51 | 39,500 | O3.5If | SIMBAD | |
| Sher 47 (in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 1,644,000 | -10.8 | 25,000 | 12.67 | 44,000 | O4V | SIMBAD | |
| Mercer 23-1 (in Mercer 23 near Galactic plane) | 1,622,000 | -10.785 | 21,200 | 10.615 (J band) | 35,000 | O5.5I | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 1017 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,622,000 | -10.785 | 164,000 | 14.52 | 50,100 | O2 If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 87 (in HM 1) | 1,622,000 | -10.785 | 9,500 | 11.83 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269896 (in LMC) | 1,600,000 | -10.77 | 163,000 | 11.36 | 29,500 | ON9.7Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| AF Andromedae (in Andromeda Galaxy) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 2,500,000 | 17.325 | 28,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F12 (WR 102af in Arches Cluster) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 25,000 | 16.4 (J band) | 36,900 | WN7-8 | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-18 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 163,000 | 13.87 | 47,000 | O3III(f+) | SIMBAD | |
| LHO 110 (WR 102df in Quintuplet cluster) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 26,000 | 13.87 (J band) | 25,100 | O6–8If | SIMBAD | |
| R140a1 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 163,000 | 12.12 (combined) | 34,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD | |
| BI 265 (in LMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 163,000 | 12.38 | 40,700 | O5III(fc) | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 457 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 164,000 | 13.74 | 39,800 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 107 (in Sagittarius OB1) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 9,400 | 13.51 | 50,100 | WN8 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 140 B (in Cygnus OB1) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 5,300 | 6.85 (combined) | 35,000 | O5 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 148 A (Runaway star from Galactic plane) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 27,100 | 10.3 (combined) | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174617.0-285131 (in Galactic Center) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 26,000 | 14.98 (J band) | 40,000 | O6If+ | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174725.3-282709 (in Galactic Center) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 26,000 | 16.37 (J band) | 30,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | |
| Sk -68° 137 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 160,000 | 13.346 | 55,000 | OB | SIMBAD | |
| WR 102i (in Quintuplet cluster) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 26,000 | 14.31 (J band) | 31,600 | WN9h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 97950 A1b (WR 43a B in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 1,514,000 | -10.71 | 24,000 | 11.18 (combined) | 40,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 49-3 (in Westerhout 49) | 1,514,000 | -10.71 | 36,200 | 16.689 (J band) | 40,700 | O3-O7V | SIMBAD | |
| Brey 21 A (in NGC 1910 of LMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 165,000 | 11.29 (combined) | 71,000 | WN | SIMBAD | |
| HD 97950 A2 (in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 24,000 | 12.53 | 46,500 | O3V | SIMBAD | |
| HM 1-6 (in HM 1) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 11,000 | 11.64 | 44,700 | O5.5Ifc | SIMBAD | |
| LGGS J013245.41+303858.3 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 3,000,000 | 17.612 | 34,000 | Ofpe | SIMBAD | |
| NGC 346-W1 (in NGC 346 of SMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 200,000 | 12.57 | 43,400 | O4If | SIMBAD | |
| Sk -65° 47 (in NGC 1923 of LMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 160,000 | 12.466 | 47,800 | O4If | SIMBAD | |
| Sk 80 (in NGC 346 of SMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 200,000 | 12.31 | 38,900 | O7Iaf+ | SIMBAD | |
| 10584-4-1 (in Messier 81) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 11,842,000 | 19.68 | 19,671 | sgB[e] | SIMBAD | |
| HD 93129 Aa (in Trumpler 14 of Carina Nebula) | 1,479,000 | -10.685 | 7,500 | 6.9 (combined) | 42,500 | O2If* | SIMBAD | |
| R136a8 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,479,000 | -10.685 | 163,000 | 14.42 | 49,500 | O2–3V | SIMBAD | |
| SK -67 150 (in LMC) | 1,472,000 | -10.68 | 163,000 | 12.24 | 41,700 | OB | SIMBAD | |
| [HCD2002] 107 (in LMC) | 1,445,000 | -10.66 | 163,000 | 13.79 | 40,700 | O4-6Vz | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 542 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,445,000 | -10.66 | 164,000 | 13.49 | 44,700 | O2If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | |
| AB8 A (in NGC 602 of SMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 197,000 | 12.9 (combined) | 141,000 | WO4 | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F15 (in Arches Cluster) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 25,000 | 16.12 (J band) | 35,600 | O4-6If | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| DBSB 179-4 (WR 84–7 in DBSB 179 of G347.6+0.2) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 25,800 | 12.25 (J band) | 30,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | |
| LGGS J013235.25+303017.6 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 3,000,000 | 18.007 | 33,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| Melnick 33Na A (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 164,000 | 13.79 (combined) | 50,000 | OC2.5If* | SIMBAD | |
| R134 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 164,000 | 12.58 | 47,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | |
| S Doradus (in NGC 1910 of LMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 169,000 | 10.25 | 20,000 | B8/9eq – F0/5:Iae | SIMBAD | |
| WR 66 (in Circinus OB1) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 16,900 | 11.34 | 44,700 | WN8(h) | SIMBAD | |
| HD 37974 (in N135 of LMC) | 1,400,000 | -10.625 | 163,000 | 10.99 | 22,500 | B0.5Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269846 (in LMC) | 1,406,000 | -10.63 | 163,000 | 11.63 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | |
| W61 3-24 (in LMC) | 1,393,000 | -10.62 | 163,000 | 14.03 | 43,700 | O3.5V(f+) | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 621 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,380,000 | -10.61 | 164,000 | 15.39 | 54,000 | O2V((f*))z | SIMBAD | |
| WR 131 (in Cygnus OB3) | 1,380,000 | -10.61 | 22,600 | 12.08 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | |
| Sk -69° 104 (in NGC 1910 of LMC) | 1,368,000 | -10.6 | 160,000 | 12.1 | 39,900 | O6Ib(f) | SIMBAD | |
| Var A-1 (in Andromeda Galaxy) | 1,368,000 | -10.6 | 2,500,000 | 17.143 | 21,700 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| Mercer 30-6a A (WR 46-4 A in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 1,349,000 | -10.585 | 40,000 | 10.39 (J band) | 29,900 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 427 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,349,000 | -10.585 | 164,000 | 13.76 | 39,800 | WN8 | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 51-3 (in Westerhout 51) | 1,349,000 | -10.585 | 20,000 | 16.998 (J band) | 39,800 | O3-8V | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269722 (in LMC) | 1,343,000 | -10.58 | 163,000 | 11.52 | 28,200 | OBe | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174502.8-290859 (in Galactic Center) | 1,318,000 | -10.56 | 26,000 | 13.93 (J band) | 33,000 | O9I-B0I | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-49 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,318,000 | -10.56 | 163,000 | 14.75 | 58,000 | O3V | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269810 (in NGC 2032 of LMC) | 1,318,000 | -10.56 | 163,000 | 12.28 | 44,700 | O2III(f*) | SIMBAD | |
| HD 270145 (in LMC) | 1,306,000 | -10.55 | 163,000 | 12.17 | 43,700 | O6.5Iaf | ||
| Westerhout 49-15 (in Westerhout 49) | 1,288,000 | -10.535 | 36,200 | 18.307 (J band) | 43,700 | O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 51d (in Westerhout 51) | 1,288,000 | -10.535 | 20,000 | 15.11 (J band) | 42,700 | SIMBAD | ||
| WR 18 (in Carina OB1 of Carina Nebula) | 1,288,000 | -10.535 | 12,450 | 10.83 | 112,200 | WN4-s | SIMBAD | |
| [BMS2003] 578 B (in NGC 604 of Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,285,000 | -10.53 | 2,700,000 | 15.97 (combined) | 32,000 | O9Ia | SIMBAD | |
| AB7 A (in NGC 371 of SMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 197,000 | 13.016 (combined) | 105,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F3 (WR 102bb in Arches Cluster) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 25,000 | 16.06 (J band) | 29,600 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F8 (WR 102ag in Arches Cluster) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 25,000 | 16.31 (J band) | 32,900 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 50064 (in NGC 2301) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 9,500 | 8.21 | 13,500 | B6Ia | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-16 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 13.65 | 42,000 | OC2.5If* | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-20 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 164,000 | 13.71 | 46,000 | O2If* | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-46 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 14.56 | 47,500 | SIMBAD | ||
| R139 A (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 11.94 (combined) | 34,000 | O6.5Iafc | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 259 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 164,000 | 13.65 | 37,700 | O6Iaf | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 1031 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 164,000 | 13.89 | 48,000 | O3.5 | SIMBAD | |
| NGC 2070 MH 980 (in NGC 2070 of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 13.68 | 42,700 | O4V | SIMBAD | |
| Sk -69° 194 (in NGC 2033 of LMC) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 160,000 | 12.131 (combined) | 45,000 | B0I | SIMBAD | |
| ST2-22 (in NGC 2044 of LMC) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 160,000 | 14.3 | 51,300 | O3.5III(f+) | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269215 (in LMC) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 163,000 | 11.94 | 36,300 | OB | SIMBAD | |
| Trumpler 27-27 (in Trumpler 27) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 8,200 | 13.31 | 37,000 | O8III((f)) | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 1028 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,230,000 | -10.485 | 164,000 | 13.84 | 47,300 | O3.5-4.5 | SIMBAD | |
| LH 10-3601 (in NGC 1763 of LMC) | 1,202,000 | -10.46 | 160,000 | 13.491 | 55,000 | ON2III(f*) | SIMBAD | |
| AB1 (in DEM S10 of SMC) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 197,000 | 15.238 | 79,000 | WN3 | SIMBAD | |
| BI 253 (Runaway star from Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 164,000 | 13.76 | 54,000 | O2V-III(n)((f*)) | SIMBAD | |
| LGGS J013248.26+303950.4 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 3,000,000 | 17.25 | 23,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| Mercer 30-8 (WR 46–6 in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 40,000 | 11.658 (J band) | 38,100 | WN7 | SIMBAD | |
| NGC 346-W3 (in NGC 346 of SMC) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 200,000 | 12.8 | 52,500 | O2III(f) | SIMBAD | |
| WR 102d (in Quintuplet cluster) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 26,000 | 15.18 (J band) | 35,100 | WN9h | SIMBAD | |
| WR 126 (in Vulpecula OB2) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 24,680 | 13.29 | 63,000 | WC5 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 20a A (in Westerlund 2) | 1,150,000 | -10.412 | 20,000 | 13.28 (combined) | 43,000 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 20a B (in Westerlund 2) | 1,150,000 | -10.412 | 20,000 | 13.28 (combined) | 43,000 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| BAT99-104 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 165,000 | 14.52 | 63,000 | O2If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| G359.797+0.037 (in Galactic Center) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 26,000 | 16.1 (J band) | 30,000 | B0-2I | SIMBAD | |
| HD 93205 A (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 7,500 | 7.75 (combined) | 51,300 | O3.5Vf | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-47 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 163,000 | 14.72 | 46,500 | O3III | SIMBAD | |
| WR 158 (in Cassiopeia OB1) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 16,300 | 11.282 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | |
| WR 28 (in FSR 1555) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 18,700 | 12.98 | 50,100 | WN6(h)-w | SIMBAD | |
| HD 303308 (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 1,138,000 | -10.4 | 7,500 | 8.17 | 51,300 | O3V | SIMBAD | |
| M33C-15235 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,138,000 | -10.4 | 3,000,000 | 17.73 | 29,200 | WN/Of | SIMBAD | |
| ZH 364 (in Messier 81) | 1,138,000 | -10.4 | 11,842,000 | 19.59 | 15,860 | LBV?e | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269700 (in LMC) | 1,127,000 | -10.39 | 163,000 | 10.54 | 19,500 | B1.5Iaeq | SIMBAD | |
| AB9 (in DEM S80 of SMC) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 197,000 | 15.431 | 100,000 | WN3ha | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F18 (in Arches Cluster) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 25,000 | 16.7 (J band) | 36,900 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | |
| BAT99-64 A (in NGC 2033 of LMC) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 165,000 | 14.073 (combined) | 71,000 | WN4o | SIMBAD | |
| Var B (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 3,000,000 | 16.208 | 9,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 562 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 164,000 | 13.66 | 42,200 | O4III(f) | SIMBAD | |
| WR 37 (in SFC 27 of G291.27-0.71) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 21,900 | 16 | 100,000 | WN4-s | SIMBAD | |
| SK -69 98 (in LMC) | 1,096,000 | -10.36 | 163,000 | 12.29 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 512 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,096,000 | -10.36 | 164,000 | 14.28 | 47,700 | O2V-III((f*)) | SIMBAD | |
| Mercer 30-6b (in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 1,072,000 | -10.335 | 40,000 | 14.25 (J band) | 30,500 | O6If | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 3 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,072,000 | -10.335 | 164,000 | 11.56 | 21,000 | B1Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 151 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,072,000 | -10.335 | 164,000 | 14.13 | 42,200 | O6.5II(f)p | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 603 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,060,000 | -10.323 | 164,000 | 13.99 | 43,400 | O4III(fc) | SIMBAD | |
| HD 268605 (in LMC) | 1,057,000 | -10.32 | 163,000 | 11.34 | 28,200 | O9.5/B0Ia | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174532.7-285126 (in Galactic Center) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 26,000 | 10.72 (J band) | 40,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | |
| HD 93403 A (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 10,000 | 8.27 (combined) | 39,300 | O5.5III(fc)var | SIMBAD | |
| Mercer 30-2 (in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 40,000 | 12.63 (J band) | 21,200 | B1-4Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| R133 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 163,000 | 12.49 | 37,600 | O7/8II | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269786 (in LMC) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 163,000 | 11.18 | 24,000 | B1I | SIMBAD | |
| HD 97950 E (in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 24,000 | 13.081 | 46,500 | O5.5III(f) | SIMBAD | |
| HD 229059 (in Berkeley 87) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 3,200 | 8.7 | 26,300 | B1Ia | SIMBAD | |
| M33C-10788 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 3,000,000 | 17.95 | 32,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | |
| Sk -69° 200 (in NGC 2033 of LMC) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 160,000 | 11.18 | 26,300 | B1I | SIMBAD | |
| Sk -69° 259 (in NGC 2081 of LMC) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 160,000 | 11.93 | 30,000 | B[e] | SIMBAD | |
| WR 77k (in Westerlund 1) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 11,000 | 18.86 | 35,000 | WN7 | SIMBAD | |
| 10182-pr-6 (in NGC 2403) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 10,314,000 | 18.79 | 8,000 | A8-F0Ie | SIMBAD | |
| [RP2006] 542 (in LMC) | 1,028,000 | -10.29 | 163,000 | 16.75 | 29,500 | B0IV[e] | SIMBAD | |
| HD 93250 A (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 7,500 | 7.5 (combined) | 46,000 | O4 IV(fc) | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 267 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 164,000 | 13.49 | 44,700 | O3III-I(n)f* | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 599 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 164,000 | 13.8 | 47,300 | O3III(f*) | SIMBAD | |
| 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 | |
| WR 156 (in Cepheus OB1) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 13,400 | 11.01 | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269050 (in LMC) | 1,019,000 | -10.28 | 163,000 | 11.54 | 28,200 | B0Ia(e?) | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F2 (WR 102aa in Arches Cluster) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 25,000 | 17.84 (J band) | 33,500 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F14 (WR 102ba in Arches Cluster) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 25,000 | 16.38 (J band) | 34,500 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD | |
| BAT99-68 (in BSDL 2505 of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.13 | 45,000 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174628.2-283920 (in Galactic Center) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 26,000 | 16.99 (J band) | 40,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174703.1-283119 (in Galactic Center) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 26,000 | 16.23 (J band) | 40,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-28 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.09 | 48,000 | O3V | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-31 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.12 | 48,000 | SIMBAD | ||
| HSH95-57 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.8 | 47,000 | O3III | SIMBAD | |
| R135 A (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 13.48 (combined) | 50,000 | WN7h | SIMBAD | |
| R140a2 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 12.12 (combined) | 34,000 | WC5 | SIMBAD | |
| R142 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 11.82 (combined) | 21,000 | B0Ia | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 64 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 164,000 | 14.62 | 39,800 | O7.5II(f) | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 591 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 164,000 | 12.55 | 27,000 | B0.5Ia | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 1034 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 164,000 | 13.36 | 34,000 | O8II | SIMBAD | |
| VVV CL074-3 (WR 75–28 in VVV CL074) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 20,000 | 14.72 (J band) | 31,500 | WN8 | SIMBAD |
Stars for Comparison
Here are a few well-known stars that are not as bright as the ones above, but are included so you can compare them.
| Star name | Total Brightness (L☉, Sun = 1) |
True Brightness (Magnitude) |
Approx. Distance from Earth (ly) |
How Bright It Looks (Visible Magnitude) |
Surface Temperature (K) | Link | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ζ1 Scorpii (in NGC 6231 of Scorpius OB1) | 851,000 | -10.085 | 8,210 | 4.705 | 17,200 | SIMBAD | |
| ζ Puppis (Naos in Vela R2 of Vela Molecular Ridge) | 813,000 | -10.035 | 1,080 | 2.25 | 40,000 | SIMBAD | |
| α Camelopardalis (Runaway star from NGC 1502) | 676,000 | -9.835 | 6,000 | 4.29 | 29,000 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 78 (in NGC 6231 of Scorpius OB1) | 631,000 | -9.76 | 4,100 | 6.48 | 50,100 | SIMBAD | |
| λ Cephei (Runaway star from Cepheus OB3) | 631,000 | -9.76 | 3,100 | 5.05 | 36,000 | SIMBAD | |
| P Cygni (in IC 4996 of Cygnus OB1) | 610,000 | -9.723 | 5,100 | 4.82 | 18,700 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 79a (in NGC 6231 of Scorpius OB1) | 603,000 | -9.71 | 5,600 | 5.77 | 35,000 | SIMBAD | |
| ε Orionis (Alnilam in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 537,000 | -9.585 | 2,000 | 1.69 | 27,500 | SIMBAD | |
| η Carinae B (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 400,000 | -9.265 | 7,500 | 4.3 (combined) | 37,200 | SIMBAD | |
| μ Normae (in NGC 6169) | 339,000 | -9.085 | 3,260 | 4.91 | 28,000 | SIMBAD | |
| κ Cassiopeiae (in Cassiopeia OB14) | 302,000 | -8.96 | 4,000 | 4.16 | 23,500 | SIMBAD | |
| τ Canis Majoris Aa (in NGC 2362) | 299,000 | -8.95 | 5,120 | 4.89 | 32,000 | SIMBAD | |
| θ Muscae Ab (in Centaurus OB1) | 295,000 | -8.935 | 7,400 | 5.53 (combined) | 33,000 | SIMBAD | |
| γ2 Velorum B (in Vela OB2) | 280,000 | -8.878 | 1,230 | 1.83 (combined) | 35,000 | SIMBAD | |
| ξ Persei (Menkib in California Nebula of Perseus OB2) | 263,000 | -8.81 | 1,200 | 4.04 | 35,000 | SIMBAD | |
| ζ Orionis Aa (Alnitak in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 250,000 | -8.755 | 1,260 | 2.08 | 29,500 | SIMBAD | |
| θ Muscae Aa (WR 48 in Centaurus OB1) | 234,000 | -8.685 | 7,400 | 5.53 (combined) | 83,000 | SIMBAD | |
| ο2 Canis Majoris (in Collinder 121) | 219,000 | -8.61 | 2,800 | 3.043 | 15,500 | SIMBAD | |
| θ1 Orionis C1 (in Trapezium Cluster of Orion complex) | 204,000 | -8.535 | 1,340 | 5.13 (combined) | 39,000 | SIMBAD | |
| δ Orionis Aa1 (Mintaka in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 191,000 | -8.46 | 1,200 | 2.5 (combined) | 29,500 | SIMBAD | |
| γ2 Velorum A (WR 11 in Vela OB2) | 170,000 | -8.336 | 1,230 | 1.83 (combined) | 57,000 | SIMBAD | |
| η Canis Majoris (Aludra in Collinder 121) | 151,000 | -8.21 | 2,000 | 2.45 | 15,000 | SIMBAD | |
| κ Crucis (in Jewel Box Cluster of Centaurus OB1) | 151,000 | -8.21 | 7,500 | 5.98 | 16,300 | SIMBAD | |
| λ Orionis A (Meissa in Collinder 69 of Orion complex) | 150,000 | -8.2 | 1,100 | 3.54 | 37,700 | SIMBAD | |
| β Orionis A (Rigel in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 120,000 | -7.96 | 860 | 0.13 | 12,100 | SIMBAD | |
| θ2 Orionis A (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 107,000 | -7.833 | 1,500 | 5.02 | 34,900 | SIMBAD | |
| Betelgeuse | 87,100 | -7.61 | 550 | 0.50 | 3,600 | SIMBAD | |
| Antares A | 75,900 | -7.46 | 550 | 0.6–1.6 | 3,660 | SIMBAD | |
| ζ Ophiuchi (in Upper Scorpius subgroup of Scorpius OB2) | 74,100 | -7.435 | 370 | 2.569 | 34,000 | SIMBAD | |
| ι Orionis Aa1 (Hatysa in NGC 1980 of Orion complex) | 68,000 | -7.341 | 1,340 | 2.77 (combined) | 32,500 | SIMBAD | |
| υ Orionis (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 60,000 | -7.205 | 2,900 | 4.618 | 33,400 | SIMBAD | |
| κ Orionis (Saiph in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 57,000 | -7.147 | 650 | 2.09 | 26,500 | SIMBAD | |
| σ Cygni (in Cygnus OB4) | 52,000 | -7.06 | 3,260 | 4.233 | 10,800 | SIMBAD | |
| ζ Persei (in Perseus OB2) | 47,000 | -6.941 | 750 | 2.86 | 20,800 | SIMBAD | |
| μ Columbae (Runaway star from Trapezium Cluster) | 46,000 | -6.91 | 1,300 | 5.18 | 33,000 | SIMBAD | |
| σ Orionis Aa (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 41,700 | -6.81 | 1,260 | 4.07 (combined) | 35,000 | SIMBAD | |
| δ Scorpii A (Dschubba in Upper Scorpius subgroup of Scorpius OB2) | 38,000 | -6.71 | 440 | 2.307 (combined) | 27,400 | SIMBAD | |
| ε Persei A (in α Persei Cluster) | 28,300 | -6.391 | 640 | 2.88 (combined) | 26,500 | SIMBAD | |
| θ Carinae A (in IC 2602 of Scorpius OB2) | 25,700 | -6.284 | 460 | 2.76 (combined) | 31,000 | SIMBAD | |
| β Canis Majoris (Mirzam in Local Bubble of Scorpius OB2) | 25,000 | -6.26 | 490 | 1.985 | 23,200 | SIMBAD | |
| σ Orionis Ab (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 18,600 | -5.934 | 1,260 | 4.07 (combined) | 29,000 | SIMBAD | |
| σ Orionis B (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 15,800 | -5.757 | 1,260 | 4.07 (combined) | 31,000 | SIMBAD | |
| θ2 Orionis B (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 12,300 | -5.485 | 1,500 | 6.38 | 29,300 | SIMBAD | |
| γ Orionis (Bellatrix in Bellatrix Cluster of Orion complex) | 9,210 | -5.17 | 250 | 1.64 | 21,800 | SIMBAD | |
| ι Orionis Aa2 (in NGC 1980 of Orion complex) | 8,630 | -5.1 | 1,340 | 2.77 (combined) | 27,000 | SIMBAD | |
| λ Tauri A (in Pisces-Eridanus stellar stream) | 5,800 | -4.669 | 480 | 3.47 (combined) | 18,700 | SIMBAD | |
| ρ Ophiuchi A (in ρ Ophiuchi cloud complex of Scorpius OB2) | 4,000 | -4.285 | 360 | 4.63 (combined) | 22,000 | SIMBAD | |
| δ Persei (in α Persei Cluster) | 2,860 | -3.901 | 520 | 3.01 | 14,900 | SIMBAD | |
| α Scorpii B (in Loop I Bubble of Scorpius OB2) | 2,820 | -3.885 | 550 | 5.5 | 18,500 | SIMBAD | |
| α Pavonis Aa (Peacock in Tucana-Horologium association) | 2,150 | -3.593 | 180 | 1.94 | 17,700 | SIMBAD | |
| η Tauri A (Alcyone in Pleiades) | 1,820 | -3.409 | 440 | 2.87 (combined) | 12,300 | SIMBAD | |
| ο Velorum (in IC 2391 of Scorpius OB2) | 1,000 | -2.76 | 490 | 3.6 | 16,200 | SIMBAD | |
| ψ Persei (in α Persei Cluster) | 775 | -2.483 | 580 | 4.31 | 16,000 | SIMBAD | |
| γ Canis Majoris (Muliphein in Collinder 121) | 715 | -2.397 | 440 | 4.1 | 13,600 | SIMBAD | |
| ο Aquarii (in Pisces-Eridanus stellar stream) | 340 | -1.589 | 440 | 4.71 | 13,500 | SIMBAD | |
| φ Eridani (in Tucana-Horologium association) | 255 | -1.276 | 150 | 3.55 | 13,700 | SIMBAD | |
| ν Fornacis (in Pisces-Eridanus stellar stream) | 245 | -1.233 | 370 | 4.69 | 13,400 | SIMBAD | |
| ε Chamaeleontis (in ε Chamaeleontis moving group of Scorpius OB2) | 100 | -0.26 | 360 | 4.91 | 10,900 | SIMBAD | |
| η Chamaeleontis (in η Chamaeleontis moving group of Scorpius OB2) | 95 | -0.204 | 310 | 5.453 | 12,500 | SIMBAD | |
| ε Hydri (in Tucana-Horologium association) | 60 | 0.295 | 150 | 4.12 | 11,000 | SIMBAD | |
| τ1 Aquarii (in Pisces-Eridanus stellar stream) | 50 | 0.429 | 320 | 5.66 | 10,600 | SIMBAD | |
| β1 Tucanae (in Tucana-Horologium association) | 40 | 0.735 | 140 | 4.37 | 10,600 | SIMBAD | |
| Sun (in Solar System) | 1 | 4.739996 | 0.0000158 | -26.744 | 5,772 |
Short-Lived Bright Events
This section lists stars or events that are only super bright for a short time.
| Star or transient event name | Total Brightness (L☉, Sun = 1) |
True Brightness (Magnitude) |
Approx. Distance from Earth (ly) |
How Bright It Looks (Visible Magnitude) |
Surface Temperature (K) | Link | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godzilla (in Sunburst galaxy) | 134,000,000– 255,000,000 |
-15.58 or -16.28 | 10,900,000,000 | 22 | 15,000–30,000 | SIMBAD | |
| NGC 2363-V1 (in NGC 2366) | 6,300,000 | -12.26 | 10,800,000 | 17.88 | 13,500-26,000 | SIMBAD |
It's important to remember that even the brightest stars are much less luminous than other super bright objects in space, like quasars. For example, a quasar called 3C 273 looks quite dim through a telescope (apparent magnitude of 12.8), but its true brightness (absolute magnitude of −26.7) is almost as bright as the Sun! This quasar is about 2 trillion (1012) times brighter than the Sun. That's about 100 times brighter than an entire large galaxy like our Milky Way! Quasars can also change how bright they are.
Sometimes, extreme events happen. For example, a type of neutron star called a magnetar (specifically SGR 1806−20) had a massive burst of gamma rays on December 27, 2004. This was the brightest event ever recorded reaching Earth from outside our Solar System. If those gamma rays were visible light, this event would have been even brighter than the Sun!
Another example is the gamma-ray burst GRB 971214 from 1998. At the time, scientists thought it was the most powerful event ever seen in the universe, with energy equal to hundreds of supernovae. Later, they realized that the energy was likely from a single supernova, but its light was "beamed" directly towards Earth like a flashlight.
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Estrellas más luminosas para niños
- Lists of astronomical objects
- List of stars
- List of largest known stars
- List of most massive stars
- List of hottest stars
- List of oldest stars
- List of coolest stars
- List of brightest stars
- List of nearest stars
- Gamma ray burst
- Quasar
- Most luminous object
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List of most luminous stars Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.