Astronomy/the largest star

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Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 11/7/2009


Question
Hello Steven---
I have read that the largest star is VY Canis Majoris and that it is 2100 times the diameter of our Sun.  Do you concur with this?

Also, there are a couple of stars in the Orion constellation I have a question about.  Rigel and Betelguese seem to be close to each other from our perspective standing here on earth even though it is common knowledge that they are very far away indeed.  I read some information somewhere that stated that the distance between Rigel and Betelguese was GREATER than the distance between Rigel and the Sun or between Betelguese and the Sun.  Is this true?  If so, can you explain how in such a way for my brain to grasp this concept?

Many thanks, Brad

Answer
Yes, to my knowledge, VY Canis Majoris is 2600 solar radii in diameter, making it the largest KNOWN star in the universe.

I believe the second part of your question is true also.  For YOUR brain to grasp this concept?  Even astronomers like myself cannot really grasp this kind of concept.  No human can :)

Steve  

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Steven LJ Russo

Expertise

As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.

Experience

Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.

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