
Top 10 largest stars in the Milky Way
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, oh I wonder how big you are...
10. Antares
Size: 883 x Sun
Distance from Earth: 550 light-years
9. Betelgeuse
Size: 887 x Sun
Distance from Earth: 643 light-years
8. KW Sagittarii
Size: 1,009 x Sun
Distance from Earth: 7,800 light-years
7. VV Cephei A
Size: 1,050 x Sun
Distance from Earth: 4,900 light-years
6. Mu Cephei
Size: 1,260 x Sun
Distance from Earth: 6,000 light-years
5. KY Cygni
Size: 1,420- 2,850 x Sun
Distance from Earth: 5,000 light-years
4. V354 Cephei
Size: 1,520 x Sun
Distance from Earth: 9,000 light-years
3. RW Cephei
Size: 1,535 x Sun
Distance from Earth: 3,500 light-years
2. VY Canis Majoris
Size: 1,420 x Sun (so massive that its light takes eight hours to travel around its own equator)
Distance from Earth: 3,900 light-years
1. UY Scuti
Read more:
Subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun facts.
Subscription offer
Subscribe and save 50% on the shop price. Pay just £16.50 every 6 issues by Direct Debit. Receive every issue delivered direct to your door with FREE UK delivery.