Uy scuti vs sun

Stars throughout our cosmos are undeniably gargantuan. In fact, the closest star to us, the Sun is a staggering 1.4 million km (865,000 miles) in diameter – so large that 1.3 million planet Earths could fit inside.

However, within the grand cosmic scale of the Universe, that's pretty average in size.

While many stars are smaller, scientists have discovered many cosmic titans that are several hundred times bigger.

Smallest star in the universe

But what is the largest star in the Universe?

Here are the 10 biggest stars known to humanity so far.

10. HV 888

Apart from being located 163,000 light-years away HV 888 is much like Clifford the Dog: red and absolutely massive.

Carrying a solar radius of 1,374 (our Sun being 1 solar radius), the scarlet supergiant’s colour is actually a sign it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.

Scientists don’t know for sure when the star might go supernova – it could be today, or the star could continue to burn for a few more million years.

Until then, HV 888 will shine incredibly brightly, about 300,000 to over 500,000 times brighter than

biggest star in space engine

major stars in space