VY Canis Majoris

VY Canis Majoris

Canis Major

7.95
Apparent Mag
3,820
Distance (ly)
M3-M4.5I
Spectral Type
3,490
Temperature (K)

VY Canis Majoris is one of the largest known stars, a red hypergiant. If placed at the center of the Solar System, its surface would extend past the orbit of Jupiter.

Stellar Data

Apparent Magnitude7.95
Absolute Magnitude-3.31
Distance3,820 light-years
Spectral TypeM3-M4.5I
Temperature3,490 K
Luminosity270,000 L☉
Radius1420 R☉
Mass17 M☉
Right Ascension07h 22m 58.3s
Declination-25° 46′ 03.2″
ConstellationCanis Major

Notable Facts

  • VY Canis Majoris is about 1,420 times the radius of the Sun
  • It is one of the most luminous red supergiants known
  • The star is surrounded by a complex nebula of ejected material

More Stars in Canis Major

View constellation