Westerhout 49-2 Star vs Sun

Westerhout 49-2 Star vs Sun

Westerhout 49-2 vs Sun

Westerhout 49-2, nestled within the H II region Westerhout 49, emerges as a celestial marvel, captivating astronomers with its colossal proportions. In this cosmic dance, W49-2 boasts a mass teetering around 250 solar masses, although uncertainties shroud this astronomical giant. Illuminating the cosmos with a luminosity surpassing 4 million L☉, it stands as one of the most massive and luminous stars ever discovered.

Is Westerhout 49-2 Star Bigger than the Sun?

Westerhout 49-2 (W49-2), a colossal celestial entity within the H II region Westerhout 49, challenges the very notion of stellar size. With an estimated mass of 250 solar masses (though subject to uncertainties) and a luminosity surpassing 4 million L☉, W49-2 stands as one of the most massive and luminous stars ever discovered. In stark contrast, our Sun, a G-type main-sequence star with a modest mass of approximately 1 solar mass, pales in comparison to the enormity of W49-2.

Westerhout 49-2 Star Star Diameter Compared to Sun

While specific diameter details of W49-2 elude us, its colossal mass and luminosity suggest a stellar giant that commands attention within the celestial tapestry. In contrast, the Sun, with a modest radius, maintains stability as a G-type main-sequence star.

Westerhout 49-2 Star Star Mass Compared to Sun

Westerhout 49-2, with its mass reaching approximately 250 solar masses, stands as a testament to the extremes of stellar mass within the cosmos. On the other hand, the Sun, with its relatively modest mass of about 1 solar mass, provides the energy necessary for life on Earth.

Temperature and Spectral Type Comparison

Westerhout 49-2's scorching temperature of about 35,500 K, coupled with its spectral type of O2-3.5If*, places it among the hottest and most luminous stars. In contrast, the Sun, with a surface temperature around 5,500 degrees Celsius and classified as a G2V main-sequence star, is relatively cool and stable.

Distance from Earth

Situated a staggering 36,200 light years away from Earth in the constellation Aquila, Westerhout 49-2 challenges our understanding of distance in the cosmic realm. The Sun, our nearest star, is approximately 93 million miles away.

Westerhout 49-2 vs Sun

Westerhout 49-2 Star vs Sun Temperature

Westerhout 49-2 Star: A Cosmic Inferno

Westerhout 49-2 (W49-2) emerges as a celestial marvel with a scorching temperature of about 35,500 K. This colossal temperature places it among the hottest and most luminous stars known to astronomers. The intense heat emanating from W49-2 contributes to its radiant glow within the H II region Westerhout 49.

The Sun: A Modest Celestial Furnace

In stark contrast, our Sun maintains a relatively modest surface temperature of around 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit). Classified as a G-type main-sequence star (G2V), the Sun's stable temperature provides the energy necessary for life on Earth.

Points of Comparison

  • Westerhout 49-2 Star: 35,500 K, O2-3.5If*
  • The Sun: 5,500 degrees Celsius, G2V

Westerhout 49-2 Star vs Sun Brightness Luminosity

Westerhout 49-2 Star: A Luminous Giant

Westerhout 49-2 stands as one of the most massive and luminous stars ever discovered. With a luminosity surpassing 4 million L☉, this astronomical giant illuminates the cosmos within the expansive H II region Westerhout 49. The sheer brightness of W49-2 contributes to the intricate cosmic dance it performs.

The Sun: Our Modest Stellar Neighbor

The Sun, while modest in comparison, provides the essential energy for life on Earth with a luminosity of approximately 1 L☉. Its steady luminosity ensures the stability of conditions necessary for supporting life within our solar system.

Points of Comparison

  • Westerhout 49-2 Star: 4,365,000 L☉
  • The Sun: 1 L☉

Westerhout 49-2 Star vs The Sun

Westerhout 49-2 Star: A Celestial Marvel

Westerhout 49-2, nestled within the H II region Westerhout 49, captivates astronomers with its colossal proportions. Uncertainties surround its properties, including a mass teetering around 250 solar masses, making it one of the most massive stars known. Its luminosity and temperature contribute to its prominence within the cosmic landscape.

The Sun: Our Stellar Companion

The Sun, an average-sized star, plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. With a modest mass of about 1 solar mass, it stands in stark contrast to the astronomical giant, Westerhout 49-2. The Sun's proximity to Earth allows for detailed observations and studies.

Points of Comparison

  • Westerhout 49-2 Star: 250 solar masses, 4 million L☉
  • The Sun: 1 solar mass, 1 L☉

Westerhout 49-2 Star vs Sun Compared to Earth

Situated approximately 36,200 light years away from Earth in the constellation Aquila, Westerhout 49-2 challenges our cosmic perspective. Its immense distance, coupled with extreme mass and luminosity, places it at the cosmic extremes within the universe.

The Sun: Our Nearest Star

The Sun, located at an average distance of about 93 million miles from Earth, serves as our closest stellar neighbor. Its modest characteristics contribute to the habitable conditions within our solar system.

Points of Comparison

  • Westerhout 49-2 Star: 36,200 light years
  • The Sun: Approximately 93 million miles

Stellar Proportions and Properties

Overview

  • Distance from Earth: 36,200 light years
  • Classification: Evolved Slash Star
  • Spectral Type: O2-3.5If*
  • Radius: 55.29 R☉
  • Temperature: 35,500 K
  • Luminosity: 4,365,000 L☉

Properties

  • Mass: 250±120 M☉
  • Reddening (K Band): Nearly 5 magnitudes

Birth and Uncertainties

  • Birth Circumstances: Murky, Possible Collision or Nebular Mass Accumulation
  • Mass Estimate: 90 to 240 M☉ (Uncertain)
  • Binary Nature (Potential): Indicated by Bright X-ray Emissions

The Celestial Giant's Radiance

Westerhout 49-2, a celestial marvel within the expansive H II region Westerhout 49, invites us to explore its colossal proportions and unravel the cosmic mysteries that surround this enigmatic stellar giant.

The gravitational forces within Westerhout 49-2 play a significant role in shaping its cosmic destiny. With a mass reaching approximately 250 solar masses, this stellar giant stands as a testament to the extremes of stellar mass within the cosmos.

Measuring the dimensions of Westerhout 49-2 presents a fascinating challenge. While specific diameter details may elude us, its colossal mass and luminosity suggest a stellar giant that commands attention within the celestial tapestry.

Westerhout 49-2's radius, estimated to be around 55.29 times that of our Sun, contributes to its prominence within the H II region Westerhout 49. The expansive reach of this stellar giant adds to the intricate beauty of the cosmic dance it performs.

Draped in a reddened hue, Westerhout 49-2 exhibits a scorching temperature of about 35,500 K. This high temperature, coupled with its spectral type of O2-3.5If*, places it among the hottest and most luminous stars, casting a radiant glow across the cosmic landscape.

Situated a staggering 36,200 light years away from Earth in the constellation Aquila, Westerhout 49-2 challenges our understanding of distance in the cosmic realm. Despite its distant abode, this stellar giant's luminosity surpasses 4 million times that of our Sun, contributing to the celestial symphony within the Aquila constellation.

A Comparative Glimpse: Westerhout 49-2 Star vs. The Sun

Comparing Westerhout 49-2 Star and our Sun highlights the vast differences between an extremely massive and luminous star and our relatively modest solar companion. Let's explore the distinctions across various parameters.

Westerhout 49-2 Star

  • Boasts a mass of around 250 solar masses, making it one of the most massive stars ever discovered.
  • Luminosity surpasses 4 million times that of our Sun, casting a radiant glow within the H II region Westerhout 49.
  • Temperature and Spectral Type:
    • Exhibits a scorching temperature of about 35,500 K.
    • Classified as an evolved slash star with a spectral type of O2-3.5If*, it stands among the hottest and most luminous stars.
  • Distance from Earth: 36,200 light years.

The Sun

  • Has a modest mass of about 1 solar mass, making it an average-sized star.
  • Luminosity is approximately 1 L☉, providing the energy necessary for life on Earth.
  • Temperature and Spectral Type:
    • The Sun's surface temperature is around 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit).
    • Classified as a G-type main-sequence star (G2V), the Sun is a relatively cool and stable star.
  • Distance from Earth: Approximately 93 million miles.

Points of Comparison

  • Westerhout 49-2 Star: 250 solar masses, 4 million L☉.
  • The Sun: 1 solar mass, 1 L☉.
  • Temperature and Spectral Type:
    • Westerhout 49-2 Star: 35,500 K, O2-3.5If*.
    • The Sun: 5,500 degrees Celsius, G2V.
  • Distance from Earth:
    • Westerhout 49-2 Star: 36,200 light years.
    • The Sun: Approximately 93 million miles.

In summary, Westerhout 49-2 Star and the Sun represent two ends of the stellar spectrum. Westerhout 49-2 is an extremely massive and luminous star situated at a vast distance, while the Sun, with its modest mass and luminosity, is our closest stellar neighbor, providing the energy essential for life on Earth. Studying these stars helps deepen our understanding of the diverse nature of celestial bodies within the cosmos.

Charting the Celestial Coordinates of W49-2

Observation Data:

  • Epoch J2000, Equinox J2000
  • Constellation: Aquila
  • Right Ascension: 19h 10m 21.858s
  • Declination: 09° 05' 02.53"

Characteristics:

  • Spectral Type: O2-3.5If*
  • Distance: 36,200 light years (11,100 pc)

Details:

  • Mass: 250±120 M☉
  • Radius: 55.29 R☉
  • Luminosity: 4,365,000 L☉
  • Temperature: 35,500 K

Other Designations:

  • TIC 202340617, 2MASS J19102185+0905025
Back to blog