
This is a list of stars arranged by their absolute magnitude – their intrinsic stellar luminosity. This cannot be observed directly, so instead must be calculated from the apparent magnitude (the brightness as seen from Earth), the distance to each star, and a correction for interstellar extinction. The entries in the list below are further corrected to provide the bolometric magnitude, i.e., integrated over all wavelengths; this relies upon measurements in multiple photometric filters and extrapolation of the stellar spectrum based on the stellar spectral type and/or effective temperature.
Entries give the bolometric luminosity in multiples of the luminosity of the Sun (L☉) and the bolometric absolute magnitude. As with all magnitude systems in astronomy, the latter scale is logarithmic and inverted i.e., more negative numbers are more luminous.
Most stars on this list are not bright enough to be visible to the naked eye from Earth, because of their high distances, high extinction, or because they emit most of their light outside the visible range. For a list of the brightest stars seen from Earth, see the list of brightest stars. There are three stars with over 1 million L☉ and visible to the naked eye: WR 22, WR 24 and Eta Carinae. All of these stars are located in the Carina nebula.
Accurate measurement of stellar luminosities is difficult, even when the apparent magnitude is measured accurately, for four reasons:
Because of all these problems, other references may give very different values for the most luminous stars (different ordering or different stars altogether). Data on different stars can be of somewhat different reliability, depending on the attention one particular star has received as well as largely differing physical difficulties in analysis (see the Pistol Star for an example). The last stars in the list are familiar nearby stars put there for comparison, and not among the most luminous known. It may also interest the reader to know that the Sun is more luminous than approximately 95% of all known stars in the local neighbourhood (out to, say, a few hundred light years), due to enormous numbers of somewhat less massive stars that are cooler and often much less luminous. For perspective, the overall range of stellar luminosities runs from dwarfs less than 1/10,000th as luminous as the Sun to supergiants over 1,000,000 times more luminous.
| Wolf–Rayet star |
| Luminous blue variable/Slash star |
| O-type star |
| B-type star |
| A-type star |
| F-type star |
| G-type star |
| K-type star |
| M-type star |
This list is currently limited mostly to objects in our galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds, but a few stars in other local group galaxies can now be examined in enough detail to determine their luminosities. Some suspected binaries in this magnitude range are excluded because there is insufficient information about the luminosity of the individual components. Selected fainter stars are also shown for comparison. Despite their extreme luminosity, many of these stars are nevertheless too distant to be observed with the naked eye. Stars that are at least sometimes visible to the unaided eye have their apparent magnitude (6.5 or brighter) highlighted in blue.
Thanks to gravitational lensing, stars that are strongly magnified can be seen at much larger distances. If Godzilla — a LBV candidate in the distant Sunburst galaxy — is a single star, it is probably the brightest star ever observed, albeit undergoing a temporary episode of increased luminosity that has lasted at least seven years, in a similar manner to the Great Eruption of Eta Carinae that was witnessed in the 19th century. It may instead be a star cluster.
The first list shows a few of the known stars with an estimated luminosity of 1 million L☉ or greater, including the stars in open clusters, OB associations and H II regions. The majority of stars thought to be more than 1 million L☉ are shown, but the list is incomplete.
The second list gives some notable stars for the purpose of comparison.
| Star name | Location | L (L☉) | Mbol | Dist. (ly) | mV | Teff (K) | Spectral type | Link | Refs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R136a1 | R136 | 7,244,000+699,000 −1,078,000 |
-12.41 | 163,000 | 12.28 | 46,000+1,250 −2,375 |
WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| η Carinae A | Trumpler 16 | 7,080,000 | -12.39 | 7,800 | 3.8 (combined) | 9,400–35,200 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| η Twin-1 | M51 | 6,950,000 – 7,762,000 | -12.36 or -12.48 | 23,500,000 | 23.64 | 27,610 - 37,740 | LBV | ||
| R136a2 | R136 | 5,129,000+367,000 −342,000 |
-12.035 | 163,000 | 12.34 | 47,000+1,000 −625 |
WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| BAT99-98 | NGC 2070 | 5,012,000 | -12.01 | 165,000 | 13.38 | 45,000 | WN6 | SIMBAD | |
| G0.238-0.071 (in Galactic Center) | 5,012,000 | -12.01 | 26,000 | 14.37 (J band) | 39,500-44,000 | WN11h | SIMBAD | ||
| R136a3 | R136 | 5,012,000+236,000 −226,000 |
-12.01 | 163,000 | 12.97 | 50,000+2,500 −8,000 |
WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| M33-013406.63 A | Triangulum Galaxy | 4,677,000 | -11.935 | 3,000,000 | 16.084 (combined) | 30,000 | O9.5Ia | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 49-2 | W49 South | 4,365,000+3,397,000 −1,910,000 |
-11.86 | 36,200 | 18.246 (J band) | 35,500+1,700 −1,600 |
O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD | |
| HD 37836 | LMC | 4,169,000 | -11.81 | 163,000 | 10.55 | 28,200 | B0Iae | SIMBAD | |
| Sk -69° 249 A | NGC 2074 | 4,130,000 | -11.8 | 160,000 | 10.68 | 38,900 | O7If | SIMBAD | |
| V4998 Sagittarii | near Quintuplet Cluster | 4,000,000 | -11.77 | 25,000 | 12.534 (J band) | 12,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| R136c | R136 | 3,802,000+1,568,000 −1,110,000 |
-11.71 | 163,000 | 13.43 | 42,170±1,890 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| Melnick 42 | R136 | 3,631,000 | -11.66 | 163,000 | 12.78 | 47,300 | O2If* | SIMBAD | |
| WR 125–3 | Mercer 23 | 3,631,000 | -11.66 | 21,200 | 8.646 (J band) | 38,000 | WNL7-8 | SIMBAD | |
| η Twin-2 | M101 | 3,581,000 – 3,741,000 | -11.65 or -11.69 | 21,600,000 | 23.92 | 50,120 | LBV | ||
| ηTwin-4 | M83 | 3,500,000 – 3,589,000 | -11.62 or -11.65 | 14,700,000 | 23.31 (B band) | 50,100 | LBV | ||
| NGC 2403 V14 (in NGC 2403) | 3,436,000 | -11.6 | 10,314,000 | 18.83 | 7,000 | F5Ie | SIMBAD | ||
| WR 102ka | near Galactic Center | 3,311,000 | -11.56 | 26,000 | 12.978 (J band) | 25,000 | WN10 | SIMBAD | |
| G0.070+0.025 (in Galactic Center) | 3,311,000 | -11.56 | 26,000 | 14.799 (J band) | 45,000 | O4-6If+ | SIMBAD | ||
| Mercer 30-1 A | Mercer 30 | 3,236,000 | -11.535 | 40,000 | 10.33 (J band) | 32,200 | O6-7.5If+ | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 682 | Runaway from R136 | 3,236,000+838,000 −666,000 |
-11.535 | 164,000 | 16.08 | 54,450±1,960 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| WR 42e | Runaway from HD 97950 | 3,200,000 | -11.523 | 25,000 | 14.53 | 43,700 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | |
| R99 | LH 49 | 3,162,000 | -11.51 | 163,000 | 11.52 | 28,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | |
| NGC 4736-1 | Cat's Eye Galaxy | 3,162,000 | -11.51 | 16,000,000 | 19.31 | 18,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 1022 | R136 | 3,020,000+782,000 −621,000 |
-11.46 | 164,000 | 13.47 | 42,170±1,520 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 24 | Collinder 228 | 2,951,000 | -11.435 | 8,200 | 6.48 | 50,100 | WN6ha-w | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174528.6-285605 (WR 101–6 in Galactic Center) | 2,884,000 | -11.41 | 26,000 | 14.46 (J band) | 30,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | ||
| G0.059-0.068 (in Galactic Center) | 2,884,000 | -11.41 | 26,000 | 13.337 (J band) | 39,500-44,000 | B0-1Ia+/WNLh | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 97950 B | HD 97950 | 2,884,000+504,000 −429,000 |
-11.41 | 24,000 | 11.33 | 42,000±2,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | |
| Wray 17-96 | near Galactic Center | 2,818,000 | -11.385 | 15,000 | 15 | 20,000 | B[e]: | SIMBAD | |
| ηTwin-5 | M83 | 2,812,000 – 3,192,000 | -11.38 or -11.52 | 14,700,000 | 22.83 (B band) | 50,100 | LBV | ||
| Sk -69° 212 | NGC 2044 | 2,754,000+1,414,000 −1,683,000 |
-11.35 | 160,000 | 12.416 | 52,900+5,900 −16,000 |
O4.5If | SIMBAD | |
| HD 38282 A | Runaway from R136 | 2,754,000+336,000 −300,000 |
-11.35 | 163,000 | 11.11 (combined) | 50,000±2,000 | WN5/6h | SIMBAD | |
| Melnick 34 A | R136 | 2,692,000+544,000 −453,000 |
-11.335 | 163,000 | 13.09 (combined) | 53,000±1,200 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 506 | NGC 2070 | 2,692,000 | -11.335 | 164,000 | 13.31 | 55,000 | ON2V((n))((f*)) | SIMBAD | |
| WR 102hb | Quintuplet cluster | 2,630,000 | -11.31 | 26,000 | 13.9 (J band) | 25,100 | WN10h | SIMBAD | |
| [BMS2003] 578 C (in NGC 604 of Triangulum Galaxy) | 2,564,000 | -11.28 | 2,700,000 | 15.97 (combined) | 34,000 | O9II | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 269810 | NGC 2029 | 2,455,000+497,000 −717,000 |
-11.235 | 163,000 | 12.28 | 57,200+2,000 −5,100 |
O2III(f*) | SIMBAD | |
| WR 102ea | Quintuplet cluster | 2,455,000 | -11.235 | 26,000 | 13.18 (J band) | 25,100 | WN9h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 38282 B | Runaway from R136 | 2,455,000+300,000 −267,000 |
-11.235 | 163,000 | 11.11 (combined) | 45,000±2,000 | WN6/7h | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174516.1-284909 (WR 101–2 in Galactic Center) | 2,399,000 | -11.21 | 26,000 | 11.49 (J band) | 20,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | ||
| CXOGC J174711.4-283006 (WR 102–9 in Galactic Center) | 2,399,000 | -11.21 | 26,000 | 16.56 (J band) | 30,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | ||
| WR 25 A | Trumpler 16 | 2,399,000 | -11.21 | 6,800 | 8.8 (combined) | 50,100 | WN6h-w | SIMBAD | |
| LGGS J004444.52+412804.0 | Andromeda Galaxy | 2,377,000+481,000 −400,000 |
-11.2 | 2,500,000 | 18.1 | 18,000±2,000 | F0Ia | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269327 | LMC | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 163,000 | 10.74 | 28,200 | B0: | SIMBAD | |
| Melnick 34 B | R136 | 2,344,000+474,000 −394,000 |
-11.185 | 163,000 | 13.09 (combined) | 53,000±1,200 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| WR 62–2 | VVV CL041 | 2,344,000 | -11.185 | 13,700 | 10.146 (J band) | 34,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | |
| LH 10-3209 A | NGC 1763 | 2,312,000 | -11.17 | 160,000 | 12.73 | 50,900 | O3III(f*) | SIMBAD | |
| Cl 1813-178 #16 | Cl 1813-178 | 2,291,000+660,000 −553,000 |
-11.16 | 15,300 | 9.428 (J band) | 30,200±700 | O8-O9If | SIMBAD | |
| R147 | Runaway from R136 | 2,291,000+593,000 −471,000 |
-11.16 | 164,000 | 13.02 | 47,320±1,700 | WN5h | SIMBAD | |
| R136a7 | R136 | 2,291,000+280,000 −341,000 |
-11.16 | 163,000 | 13.97 | 54,000+2,000 −3,000 |
O3III(f*) | SIMBAD | |
| VVV CL074-12 | VVV CL074 | 2,291,000+2,280,000 −1,143,000 |
-11.16 | 20,000 | 12.34 (J band) | 22,500±4,000 | B0.5-2I | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F9 | Arches Cluster | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 25,000 | 16.1 (J band) | 36,600 | WN8–9h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 5980 A | NGC 346 | 2,239,000+580,000 −460,000 |
-11.135 | 200,000 | 11.31 (combined) | 45,000±5,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 97950 C1 | HD 97950 | 2,239,000+392,000 −333,000 |
-11.135 | 24,000 | 11.89 (combined) | 44,000±2,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | |
| R136b | R136 | 2,239,000+160,000 −149,000 |
-11.135 | 165,000 | 13.24 | 35,500±750 | O4If | SIMBAD | |
| R145 A | Tarantula Nebula | 2,239,000+924,000 −654,000 |
-11.135 | 163,000 | 12.04 (combined) | 50,000±3,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD | |
| Var 83 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 3,000,000 | 16.027 | 18,000-37,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | ||
| BI 265 | LMC N160 | 2,188,000+1,981,000 −957,000 |
-11.11 | 163,000 | 12.38 | 49,800+9,800 −8,200 |
O5III(fc) | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174712.2-283121 (WR 102–10 in Galactic Center) | 2,188,000 | -11.11 | 26,000 | 17.06 (J band) | 35,000 | WN7-8h | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 268804 (in LMC) | 2,148,000 | -11.09 | 163,000 | 11.21 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | ||
| G0.058+0.014 (in Galactic Center) | 2,138,000 | -11.085 | 26,000 | 14.704 (J band) | 45,000 | O4-6If+ | SIMBAD | ||
| LGGS J013508.78+303639.9 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 2,138,000 | -11.085 | 2,834,000 | 14.00 | 7,464 | A9Ia | SIMBAD | ||
| R145 B | Tarantula Nebula | 2,138,000+882,000 −624,000 |
-11.085 | 163,000 | 12.04 (combined) | 43,000±3,000 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 89 | HM 1 | 2,138,000 | -11.085 | 9,500 | 11.02 | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F6 | Arches Cluster | 2,089,000+255,000 −227,000 |
-11.06 | 25,000 | 15.75 (J band) | 33,300±1,300 | WN8-9ha | SIMBAD | |
| R136a5 | R136 | 2,089,000+149,000 −139,000 |
-11.06 | 163,000 | 13.71 | 48,000±750 | O2I(n)f* | SIMBAD | |
| BD+43° 3654 | Runaway from Cygnus OB2 | 2,030,000±210,000 | -11.029 | 5,400 | 10.06 | 46,800±900 | O6If+ | SIMBAD | |
| AFGL 2298 (near Galactic plane) | 2,000,000 | -11.013 | 33,000 | 12.164 (J band) | 15,500-26,000 | B8I | SIMBAD | ||
| Arches-F1 | Arches Cluster | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 25,000 | 16.3 (J band) | 33,200 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F4 | Arches Cluster | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 25,000 | 15.63 (J band) | 36,800 | WN7-8h | SIMBAD | |
| M33C-15731 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 2,834,000 | 16.819 (V band) | 20,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | ||
| CXOGC J174656.3-283232 (WR 102–8 in Galactic Center) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 26,000 | 16.74 (J band) | 30,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | ||
| LBV 1806-20 | 1806−20 cluster | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 28,000 | 13.66 (J band) | 18,000–32,000 | O9-B2 | SIMBAD | |
| Mercer 81-2 (WR 76–7 in Mercer 81 of G338.4+0.2) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 35,900 | 13.25 (J band) | 36,000 | WN7-8 | SIMBAD | ||
| VFTS 545 | R136 | 1,995,000+516,000 −410,000 |
-11.01 | 164,000 | 13.32 | 47,320±1,700 | O2If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 147S | Cygnus OB2 | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 5,800 | 13.86 | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | |
| 10584-9-1 (in Messier 81) | 1,977,000 | -11.0 | 11,842,000 | 19.1 | 18,000 | sgB[e] | SIMBAD | ||
| 2MASS J04542610-6911022 | LMC N83B | 1,959,000 | -10.99 | 163,000 | 12.68 | 37,200 | O7V | SIMBAD | |
| R146 | Runaway from R136 | 1,950,000+505,000 −401,000 |
-10.985 | 164,000 | 13.11 | 53,090±1,910 | WN5ha | SIMBAD | |
| DBSB 179-15 (WR 84–6 in DBSB 179 of G347.6+0.2) | 1,950,000 | -10.985 | 25,800 | 12.5 (J band) | 37,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | ||
| G0.114+0.021 (WR 102–12 in Galactic Center) | 1,950,000 | -10.985 | 26,000 | 16.672 (J band) | 40,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | ||
| R136a4 | R136 | 1,905,000+90,000 −207,000 |
-10.96 | 163,000 | 13.41 | 50,000+500 −2,000 |
O3V((f*))(n) | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 49-1 | W49 cluster 1 | 1,905,000+786,000 −556,000 |
-10.96 | 36,200 | 15.531 (J band) | 44,700+2,100 −2,000 |
O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD | |
| WR 22 A | Bochum 10 | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 8,200 | 6.42 (combined) | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269219 | LMC | 1,888,000 | -10.95 | 163,000 | 10.87 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F2 A | Arches Cluster | 1,862,000+227,000 −203,000 |
-10.935 | 25,000 | 17.84 (J band, combined) | 34,100+2,000 −1,000 |
WN8-9h | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F7 | Arches Cluster | 1,862,000+227,000 −203,000 |
-10.935 | 25,000 | 15.74 (J band) | 33,900±1,300 | WN8-9ha | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-36 | R136 | 1,862,000+133,000 −124,000 |
-10.935 | 163,000 | 14.41 | 49,500+750 −1,000 |
O2If* | SIMBAD | |
| V4650 Sagittarii | Quintuplet cluster | 1,820,000 | -10.91 | 25,000 | 12.31 (J band) | 11,300 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| W61 3-20 | NGC 2074 | 1,820,000 | -10.91 | 163,000 | 13.55 | 39,800 | O5-6V((f))z | SIMBAD | |
| LGGS J004051.59+403303.0 | Andromeda Galaxy | 1,803,000+365,000 −303,000 |
-10.9 | 2,500,000 | 16.989 | 22,000±2,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| HD 5980 B | NGC 346 | 1,778,000+734,000 −519,000 |
-10.885 | 200,000 | 11.31 (combined) | 45,000+10,000 −7,000 |
WN6-7 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 130 | Cygnus OB3 | 1,778,000 | -10.885 | 21,700 | 12.13 | 44,700 | WN8(h) | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174536.1-285638 (WR 101–1 in Galactic Center) | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 26,000 | 15.55 (J band) | 30,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | ||
| Mercer 30-7 A | Mercer 30 | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 40,000 | 11.516 (J band) | 41,400 | WN6 | SIMBAD | |
| HD 35342 B | NGC 1910 | 1,722,000 | -10.85 | 163,000 | 11.28 | 24,000 | B0.5I | SIMBAD | |
| CPD−69 471 | NGC 2074 | 1,706,000 | -10.84 | 163,000 | 12.37 | 42700 | O2-3(n)fp | SIMBAD | |
| DBSB 179-20 (WR 84–1 in DBSB 179 of G347.6+0.2) | 1,698,000 | -10.835 | 25,800 | 12.37 (J band) | 35,000 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD | ||
| VFTS 621 | NGC 2070 | 1,660,000 | -10.81 | 164,000 | 15.39 | 54,000 | O2V((f*))z | SIMBAD | |
| Pistol Star | Quintuplet Cluster | 1,660,000 | -10.81 | 25,000 | 11.79 (J band) | 11,800 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| Sher 18 (in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 1,644,000 | -10.8 | 25,000 | 12.51 | 39,500 | O3.5If | SIMBAD | ||
| Sher 47 (in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 1,644,000 | -10.8 | 25,000 | 12.67 | 44,000 | O4V | SIMBAD | ||
| Mercer 23-1 (in Mercer 23 near Galactic plane) | 1,622,000 | -10.785 | 21,200 | 10.615 (J band) | 35,000 | O5.5I | SIMBAD | ||
| VFTS 1017 | R136 | 1,622,000+420,000 −334,000 |
-10.785 | 164,000 | 14.52 | 50,120±1,800 | O2If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 87 | HM 1 | 1,622,000 | -10.785 | 9,500 | 11.83 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | |
| Cygnus OB2 #12 A | Cygnus OB2 | 1,622,000 | -10.785 | 5,000 | 11.702 (combined) | 13,700 | B3-4Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| J025941.21+251412.2 | NGC 1156 | 1,600,000 | -10.77 | 23,000,000 | 19.91 | 7,900 | LBV | SIMBAD | |
| Melnick 39 A | R136 | 1,585,000+654,000 −463,000 |
-10.76 | 160,000 | 13.0 (combined) | 44,000±2,500 | O3If*/WN6-A | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F12 | Arches Cluster | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 25,000 | 16.4 (J band) | 36,900 | WN7-8h | SIMBAD | |
| R139 A | NGC 2070 | 1,585,000+235,000 −205,000 |
-10.76 | 163,000 | 11.94 (combined) | 34,000±1,100 | O6.5I | SIMBAD | |
| LHO 110 | Quintuplet cluster | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 26,000 | 13.87 (J band) | 25,100 | WN9h | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 457 | NGC 2070 | 1,585,000+410,000 −326,000 |
-10.76 | 164,000 | 13.74 | 39,810±1,430 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 107 | Sagittarius OB1 | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 9,400 | 13.51 | 50,100 | WN8 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 140 B | Cygnus OB1 | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 5,300 | 6.85 (combined) | 35,000 | O5.5fc | SIMBAD | |
| WR 148 A | Runaway from Galactic plane | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 27,100 | 10.3 (combined) | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | |
| R134 | R136 | 1,585,000+410,000 −326,000 |
-10.76 | 164,000 | 12.58 | 42,170±1,520 | WN6(h) | SIMBAD | |
| WR 31a | Milky Way | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 24,000 | 10.85 | 30,200 | WN11h | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174617.0-285131 (in Galactic Center) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 26,000 | 14.98 (J band) | 40,000 | O6If+ | SIMBAD | ||
| CXOGC J174725.3-282709 (in Galactic Center) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 26,000 | 16.37 (J band) | 30,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | ||
| WR 102i | Quintuplet cluster | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 26,000 | 14.31 (J band) | 31,600 | WN9h | SIMBAD | |
| WR 21a A | Runaway from Westerlund 2 | 1,514,000+224,000 −195,000 |
-10.71 | 14,300 | 12.661 (combined) | 42,000 | O2.5If*/WN6ha | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 49-3 | W49 CC | 1,514,000+528,000 −392,000 |
-10.71 | 36,200 | 16.689 (J band) | 40,700+5,000 −4,400 |
O3-O7V | SIMBAD | |
| Brey 21 A (in NGC 1910 of LMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 165,000 | 11.29 (combined) | 71,000 | WN | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 97950 A2 (in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 24,000 | 12.53 | 46,500 | O3V | SIMBAD | ||
| HM 1-6 | HM 1 | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 11,000 | 11.64 | 44,800 | O5If | SIMBAD | |
| LGGS J013245.41+303858.3 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 3,000,000 | 17.612 | 34,000 | Ofpe | SIMBAD | ||
| 10584-4-1 (in Messier 81) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 11,842,000 | 19.68 | 19,671 | sgB[e] | SIMBAD | ||
| Object #A (in NGC 4068) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 14,220,000 | 21.145 | 40,000 | WN | |||
| Sk 80 | NGC 346 | 1,479,000+341,000 −304,000 |
-10.685 | 200,000 | 12.31 | 37,700+1,600 −2,000 |
O7Iaf+ | SIMBAD | |
| R136a8 | R136 | 1,479,000+106,000 −99,000 |
-10.685 | 163,000 | 14.42 | 49,500±1,250 | O2-3V | SIMBAD | |
| R139 B | NGC 2070 | 1,445,000+214,000 −187,000 |
-10.66 | 163,000 | 11.94 (combined) | 34,700±1,100 | O7I | SIMBAD | |
| [HCD2002] 107 (in LMC) | 1,445,000 | -10.66 | 163,000 | 13.79 | 40,700 | O4-6Vz | SIMBAD | ||
| VFTS 542 | R136 | 1,445,000+374,000 −297,000 |
-10.66 | 164,000 | 13.49 | 44,670±2,010 | O2If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | |
| Z15 | Messier 81 | 1,445,000+139,000 −127,000 |
-10.66 | 11,800,000 | 20.495 | 25,000±1,000 | B0.5 | SIMBAD | |
| AB8 A | NGC 602c | 1,413,000+366,000 −291,000 |
-10.635 | 197,000 | 12.9 (combined) | 141,000+60,000 −20,000 |
WO4 | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174550.2-284911 (WR 102–4 in Galactic Center) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 26,000 | 15.24 (J band) | 30,000 | WN9h | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 93129 Aa | Trumpler 14 | 1,413,000+172,000 −154,000 |
-10.635 | 7,500 | 6.9 (combined) | 52,000±3,000 | O2If* | SIMBAD | |
| DBSB 179-4 (WR 84–7 in DBSB 179 of G347.6+0.2) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 25,800 | 12.25 (J band) | 30,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | ||
| LGGS J013235.25+303017.6 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 3,000,000 | 18.007 | 33,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | ||
| Melnick 33Na A | R136 | 1,413,000+725,000 −479,000 |
-10.635 | 164,000 | 13.79 (combined) | 50,000±2,500 | OC2.5If* | SIMBAD | |
| WR 66 | Circinus OB1 | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 16,900 | 11.34 | 44,700 | WN8(h) | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269846 | LMC | 1,406,000 | -10.63 | 163,000 | 11.63 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | |
| HD 37974 | NGC 2050 | 1,400,000 | -10.625 | 163,000 | 10.99 | 22,500 | B0.5Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| WR 131 | Cygnus OB3 | 1,380,000 | -10.61 | 22,600 | 12.08 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | |
| Var A-1 (in Andromeda Galaxy) | 1,368,000 | -10.6 | 2,500,000 | 17.143 | 21,700 | LBV | SIMBAD | ||
| Arches-F2 B | Arches Cluster | 1,349,000+165,000 −147,000 |
-10.585 | 25,000 | 17.84 (J band, combined) | 33,800+2,000 −1,000 |
O5-6Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| Mercer 30-6a A | Mercer 30 | 1,349,000 | -10.585 | 40,000 | 10.39 (J band) | 29,900 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 427 | NGC 2070 | 1,349,000+349,000 −277,000 |
-10.585 | 164,000 | 13.76 | 41,690±1,500 | WN8(h) | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 51-3 | G49.5-0.4 | 1,349,000+626,000 −437,000 |
-10.585 | 20,000 | 16.998 (J band) | 39,800 | O3V-O8V | SIMBAD | |
| HD 269722 (in LMC) | 1,343,000 | -10.58 | 163,000 | 11.52 | 28,200 | OBe | SIMBAD | ||
| VFTS 16 | Runaway from R136 | 1,318,000+341,000 −271,000 |
-10.56 | 164,000 | 13.55 | 50,600+500 −590 |
O2III-If* | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174502.8-290859 (in Galactic Center) | 1,318,000 | -10.56 | 26,000 | 13.93 (J band) | 33,000 | O9I-B0I | SIMBAD | ||
| NGC 6822-WR 12 | Barnard's Galaxy | 1,288,000 | -10.535 | 1,700,000 | 18.96 | 100,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 49-15 | W49 cluster 1 | 1,288,000+334,000 −265,000 |
-10.535 | 36,200 | 18.307 (J band) | 43,700±1,000 | O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 51d | G49.5-0.4 | 1,288,000 | -10.535 | 20,000 | 15.11 (J band) | 42,700 | O3V-O4V | SIMBAD | |
| [BMS2003] 578 B (in NGC 604 of Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,285,000 | -10.53 | 2,700,000 | 15.97 (combined) | 32,000 | O9Ia | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 269896 | LMC | 1,259,000+400,000 −304,000 |
-10.51 | 163,000 | 11.36 | 26,900±1,500 | ON9.7Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| S Doradus | NGC 1910 | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 169,000 | 10.25 | 20,000 | B8/9eq-F0/5:Iae | SIMBAD | |
| AB7 A | NGC 371 | 1,259,000+326,000 −259,000 |
-10.51 | 197,000 | 13.016 (combined) | 105,000+20,000 −10,000 |
WN4 | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 1021 | R136 | 1,259,000+326,000 −259,000 |
-10.51 | 164,000 | 13.35 | 35,500±1,500 | O4If+ | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F3 | Arches Cluster | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 25,000 | 16.06 (J band) | 29,600 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F8 | Arches Cluster | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 25,000 | 16.31 (J band) | 32,900 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | |
| HD 50064 | NGC 2301 | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 9,500 | 8.21 | 13,500 | B5Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-46 | R136 | 1,259,000+59,000 −162,000 |
-10.51 | 163,000 | 14.56 | 47,500+500 −2,500 |
O2-3III(f*) | SIMBAD | |
| NGC 2070 MH 980 (in NGC 2070 of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 13.68 | 42,700 | O4V | SIMBAD | ||
| Sk -69° 194 (in NGC 2033 of LMC) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 160,000 | 12.131 (combined) | 45,000 | B0I | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 269215 (in LMC) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 163,000 | 11.94 | 36,300 | O6.5II(f) | SIMBAD | ||
| Trumpler 27-27 | Trumpler 27 | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 8,200 | 13.31 | 37,200 | O8III((f)) | SIMBAD | |
| ST2-22 | NGC 2044 | 1,202,000 | -10.46 | 160,000 | 14.3 | 44,000 | O3.5III(f+) | SIMBAD | |
| LGGS J013457.51+304833.3 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,202,000 | -10.46 | 2,834,000 | 14.63 | 6,761 | F3Ia | SIMBAD | ||
| Sk -68° 137 | Tarantula Nebula | 1,175,000+563,000 −263,000 |
-10.435 | 160,000 | 13.346 | 53,300+5,500 −3,100 |
O2 III-I(f*) | SIMBAD | |
| Westerhout 51-57 | G49.5-0.4 | 1,175,000+687,000 −544,000 |
-10.435 | 20,000 | 16.958 (J band) | 42,700+2,000 −1,900 |
O4V | SIMBAD | |
| AB1 | DEM S10 | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 197,000 | 15.238 | 79,000 | WN3ha | SIMBAD | |
| BI 253 | Runaway from R136 | 1,175,000+410,000 −304,000 |
-10.435 | 164,000 | 13.76 | 54,000±1,500 | O2V-III(n)((f*)) | SIMBAD | |
| BAT99-92 B | Tarantula Nebula | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 164,000 | 13.76 | 23,000 | B1Ia | SIMBAD | |
| LGGS J013248.26+303950.4 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 3,000,000 | 17.25 | 23,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | ||
| Mercer 30-8 (WR 46–6 in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 40,000 | 11.658 (J band) | 38,100 | WN7 | SIMBAD | ||
| WR 102d | Quintuplet cluster | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 26,000 | 15.18 (J band) | 35,100 | WN9h | SIMBAD | |
| WR 126 (in Vulpecula OB2) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 24,680 | 13.29 | 63,000 | WC5 | SIMBAD | ||
| R135 A | NGC 2070 | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 163,000 | 13.48 (combined) | 55,000 | WN5 | SIMBAD | |
| GCIRS 16SW A (WR 101k A in Galactic Center) | 1,149,000 | -10.411 | 26,000 | 15.5 (J band) | 24,400 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | ||
| GCIRS 16SW B (WR 101k B in Galactic Center) | 1,149,000 | -10.411 | 26,000 | 15.5 (J band) | 23,500 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | ||
| CXOGC J174516.7-285824 (WR 101–3 in Galactic Center) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 26,000 | 16.67 (J band) | 35,000 | WN7-8h | SIMBAD | ||
| V1429 Aquilae | Milky Way | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 12,800 | 9.89 | 18,000 | B3Ibe | SIMBAD | |
| G0.121-0.099 (WR 102–16 in Galactic Center) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 26,000 | 14.972 (J band) | 40,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | ||
| G359.797+0.037 (in Galactic Center) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 26,000 | 16.1 (J band) | 30,000 | B0-2I | SIMBAD | ||
| VFTS 512 | NGC 2070 | 1,148,000+365,000 −277,000 |
-10.41 | 164,000 | 14.28 | 45,700+4,400 −4,000 |
O2V-III((f*)) | SIMBAD | |
| HD 93205 A (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 7,500 | 7.75 (combined) | 51,300 | O3.5Vf | SIMBAD | ||
| WR 158 | Cassiopeia OB1 | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 16,300 | 11.282 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD | |
| WR 28 | FSR 1555 | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 18,700 | 12.98 | 50,100 | WN6(h)-w | SIMBAD | |
| M33C-15235 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,138,000 | -10.4 | 3,000,000 | 17.73 | 29,200 | WN/Of | SIMBAD | ||
| ZH 364 (in Messier 81) | 1,138,000 | -10.4 | 11,842,000 | 19.59 | 15,860 | LBV?e | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 269700 (in LMC) | 1,127,000 | -10.39 | 163,000 | 10.54 | 19,500 | B1.5Iaeq | SIMBAD | ||
| AB9 | DEM S80 | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 197,000 | 15.431 | 100,000 | WN3ha | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F18 | Arches Cluster | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 25,000 | 16.7 (J band) | 36,900 | O4-5Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| Var B (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 3,000,000 | 16.208 | 9,000 | LBV | SIMBAD | ||
| SK -69 98 (in LMC) | 1,096,000 | -10.36 | 163,000 | 12.29 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD | ||
| Mercer 30-6b (in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 1,072,000 | -10.335 | 40,000 | 14.25 (J band) | 30,500 | O6If | SIMBAD | ||
| VFTS 3 | near NGC 2044 | 1,072,000+277,000 −220,000 |
-10.335 | 164,000 | 11.56 | 21,000±1,000 | B1Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| ζ1 Scorpii | NGC 6231 | 1,072,000 | -10.335 | 8,210 | 4.705 | 17,200 | B1.5Ia+ | SIMBAD | |
| HD 270145 | NGC 2122 | 1,047,000+101,000 −92,000 |
-10.31 | 163,000 | 12.17 | 34,750±1,000 | O6.5Ifc | SIMBAD | |
| WR 21a B | Runaway from Westerlund 2 | 1,047,000+241,000 −196,000 |
-10.31 | 14,300 | 12.661 (combined) | 48,000 | O3V((f*))z | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174532.7-285126 (in Galactic Center) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 26,000 | 10.72 (J band) | 40,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 93403 A | Carina OB1 | 1,047,000+49,000 −47,000 |
-10.31 | 10,000 | 8.27 (combined) | 39,300±1,100 | O5.5I | SIMBAD | |
| Mercer 30-2 (in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 40,000 | 12.63 (J band) | 21,200 | B1-4Ia+ | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 97950 E (in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 24,000 | 13.081 | 46,500 | O5.5III(f) | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 229059 | Berkeley 87 | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 3,200 | 8.7 | 26,300 | B1Ia | SIMBAD | |
| M33C-10788 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 3,000,000 | 17.95 | 32,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD | ||
| Sk -69° 200 | NGC 2033 | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 160,000 | 11.18 | 26,300 | B1I | SIMBAD | |
| Sk -69° 259 (in NGC 2081 of LMC) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 160,000 | 11.93 | 30,000 | B[e] | SIMBAD | ||
| WR 77k (in Westerlund 1) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 11,000 | 18.86 | 35,000 | WN7 | SIMBAD | ||
| 10182-pr-6 (in NGC 2403) | 1,038,000 | -10.3 | 10,314,000 | 18.79 | 8,000 | A8-F0Ie | SIMBAD | ||
| [RP2006] 542 (in LMC) | 1,028,000 | -10.29 | 163,000 | 16.75 | 29,500 | B0IV[e] | SIMBAD | ||
| HD 93250 A (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 7,500 | 7.5 (combined) | 46,000 | O4 IV(fc) | SIMBAD | ||
| VFTS 599 | NGC 2070 | 1,023,000+265,000 −210,000 |
-10.285 | 164,000 | 13.8 | 47,300+820 −500 |
O3III(f*) | SIMBAD | |
| WR 75–29 | VVV CL074 | 1,023,000+599,000 −378,000 |
-10.285 | 20,000 | 15.22 (J band) | 37,000±2,000 | WN7/O4-6If+ | SIMBAD | |
| WR 156 | Cepheus OB1 | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 13,400 | 11.01 | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD | |
| HSH95-18 | R136 | 1,000,000+175,000 −149,000 |
-10.26 | 163,000 | 13.87 | 40,700+1,900 −1,800 |
O3III(f+) | SIMBAD | |
| [BMS2003] 867 B | NGC 604 | 1,000,000+585,000 −369,000 |
-10.26 | 2,700,000 | 16.29 (combined) | 42,400 | O4Ia | SIMBAD | |
| Melnick 39 B | R136 | 1,000,000+413,000 −292,000 |
-10.26 | 160,000 | 13.0 (combined) | 48,000±2,500 | O3If*/WN6-A | SIMBAD | |
| VFTS 259 | Tarantula Nebula | 1,000,000+259,000 −206,000 |
-10.26 | 164,000 | 13.65 | 36,800+500 −520 |
O6Iaf | SIMBAD | |
| HD 97950 A1a | HD 97950 | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 24,000 | 11.18 (combined) | 37,000 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD | |
| HD 97950 A1b | HD 97950 | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 24,000 | 11.18 (combined) | 42,000 | O3If*/WN5 | SIMBAD | |
| Arches-F14 | Arches Cluster | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 25,000 | 16.38 (J band) | 34,500 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD | |
| BAT99-68 | NGC 2044 | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.13 | 45,000 | O3If*/WN7 | SIMBAD | |
| CXOGC J174628.2-283920 (in Galactic Center) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 26,000 | 16.99 (J band) | 40,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | ||
| CXOGC J174703.1-283119 (in Galactic Center) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 26,000 | 16.23 (J band) | 40,000 | O4-6I | SIMBAD | ||
| WR 75–28 | VVV CL074 | 1,000,000+778,000 −438,000 |
-10.26 | 20,000 | 14.72 (J band) | 31,500±3,000 | WN8 | SIMBAD |
A few notable stars of luminosity less than 1 million L☉ are kept here for the purpose of comparison.
| Star name | Bolometric luminosity (L☉) |
Absolute bolometric magnitude |
Approx. distance from Earth (ly) |
Apparent visible magnitude |
Effective Temperature (K) | Link | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| α Camelopardalis (Runaway star from NGC 1502) | 676,000 | -9.835 | 6,000 | 4.29 | 29,000 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 78 (in NGC 6231 of Scorpius OB1) | 631,000 | -9.76 | 4,100 | 6.48 | 50,100 | SIMBAD | |
| λ Cephei (Runaway star from Cepheus OB3) | 631,000 | -9.76 | 3,100 | 5.05 | 36,000 | SIMBAD | |
| P Cygni (in IC 4996 of Cygnus OB1) | 610,000 | -9.723 | 5,100 | 4.82 | 18,700 | SIMBAD | |
| WR 79a (in NGC 6231 of Scorpius OB1) | 603,000 | -9.71 | 5,600 | 5.77 | 35,000 | SIMBAD | |
| ζ Puppis (Naos in Vela R2 of Vela Molecular Ridge) | 446,700 | -10.035 | 1,080 | 2.25 | 40,000 | SIMBAD | |
| η Carinae B (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 400,000 | -9.265 | 7,500 | 4.3 (combined) | 37,200 | SIMBAD | |
| μ Normae (in NGC 6169) | 339,000 | -9.085 | 3,260 | 4.91 | 28,000 | SIMBAD | |
| κ Cassiopeiae (in Cassiopeia OB14) | 302,000 | -8.96 | 4,000 | 4.16 | 23,500 | SIMBAD | |
| τ Canis Majoris Aa (in NGC 2362) | 299,000 | -8.95 | 5,120 | 4.89 | 32,000 | SIMBAD | |
| θ Muscae Ab (in Centaurus OB1) | 295,000 | -8.935 | 7,400 | 5.53 (combined) | 33,000 | SIMBAD | |
| γ2 Velorum B (in Vela OB2) | 280,000 | -8.878 | 1,230 | 1.83 (combined) | 35,000 | SIMBAD | |
| ε Orionis (Alnilam in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 271,000 | -9.585 | 2,000 | 1.69 | 27,500 | SIMBAD | |
| ξ Persei (Menkib in California Nebula of Perseus OB2) | 263,000 | -8.81 | 1,200 | 4.04 | 35,000 | SIMBAD | |
| ζ Orionis Aa (Alnitak in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 250,000 | -8.755 | 1,260 | 2.08 | 29,500 | SIMBAD | |
| θ Muscae Aa (WR 48 in Centaurus OB1) | 234,000 | -8.685 | 7,400 | 5.53 (combined) | 83,000 | SIMBAD | |
| ο2 Canis Majoris (in Collinder 121) | 219,000 | -8.61 | 2,800 | 3.043 | 15,500 | SIMBAD | |
| θ1 Orionis C1 (in Trapezium Cluster of Orion complex) | 204,000 | -8.535 | 1,340 | 5.13 (combined) | 39,000 | SIMBAD | |
| δ Orionis Aa1 (Mintaka in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 191,000 | -8.46 | 1,200 | 2.5 (combined) | 29,500 | SIMBAD | |
| γ2 Velorum A (WR 11 in Vela OB2) | 170,000 | -8.336 | 1,230 | 1.83 (combined) | 57,000 | SIMBAD | |
| η Canis Majoris (Aludra in Collinder 121) | 151,000 | -8.21 | 2,000 | 2.45 | 15,000 | SIMBAD | |
| κ Crucis (in Jewel Box Cluster of Centaurus OB1) | 151,000 | -8.21 | 7,500 | 5.98 | 16,300 | SIMBAD | |
| λ Orionis A (Meissa in Collinder 69 of Orion complex) | 150,000 | -8.2 | 1,100 | 3.54 | 37,700 | SIMBAD | |
| β Orionis A (Rigel in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 120,000 | -7.96 | 860 | 0.13 | 12,100 | SIMBAD | |
| θ2 Orionis A (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 107,000 | -7.833 | 1,500 | 5.02 | 34,900 | SIMBAD | |
| Betelgeuse | 87,100 | -7.61 | 550 | 0.50 | 3,600 | SIMBAD | |
| Antares A | 75,900 | -7.46 | 550 | 0.6–1.6 | 3,660 | SIMBAD | |
| ζ Ophiuchi (in Upper Scorpius subgroup of Scorpius OB2) | 74,100 | -7.435 | 370 | 2.569 | 34,000 | SIMBAD | |
| ι Orionis Aa1 (Hatysa in NGC 1980 of Orion complex) | 68,000 | -7.341 | 1,340 | 2.77 (combined) | 32,500 | SIMBAD | |
| υ Orionis (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 60,000 | -7.205 | 2,900 | 4.618 | 33,400 | SIMBAD | |
| κ Orionis (Saiph in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 57,000 | -7.147 | 650 | 2.09 | 26,500 | SIMBAD | |
| σ Cygni (in Cygnus OB4) | 52,000 | -7.06 | 3,260 | 4.233 | 10,800 | SIMBAD | |
| ζ Persei (in Perseus OB2) | 47,000 | -6.941 | 750 | 2.86 | 20,800 | SIMBAD | |
| μ Columbae (Runaway star from Trapezium Cluster) | 46,000 | -6.91 | 1,300 | 5.18 | 33,000 | SIMBAD | |
| σ Orionis Aa (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 41,700 | -6.81 | 1,260 | 4.07 (combined) | 35,000 | SIMBAD | |
| δ Scorpii A (Dschubba in Upper Scorpius subgroup of Scorpius OB2) | 38,000 | -6.71 | 440 | 2.307 (combined) | 27,400 | SIMBAD | |
| ε Persei A (Áldu) (in α Persei Cluster) | 28,300 | -6.391 | 640 | 2.88 (combined) | 26,500 | SIMBAD | |
| θ Carinae A (in IC 2602 of Scorpius OB2) | 25,700 | -6.284 | 460 | 2.76 (combined) | 31,000 | SIMBAD | |
| β Canis Majoris (Mirzam in Local Bubble of Scorpius OB2) | 25,000 | -6.26 | 490 | 1.985 | 23,200 | SIMBAD | |
| σ Orionis Ab (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 18,600 | -5.934 | 1,260 | 4.07 (combined) | 29,000 | SIMBAD | |
| σ Orionis B (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 15,800 | -5.757 | 1,260 | 4.07 (combined) | 31,000 | SIMBAD | |
| θ2 Orionis B (in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 12,300 | -5.485 | 1,500 | 6.38 | 29,300 | SIMBAD | |
| γ Orionis (Bellatrix in Bellatrix Cluster of Orion complex) | 9,210 | -5.17 | 250 | 1.64 | 21,800 | SIMBAD | |
| ι Orionis Aa2 (in NGC 1980 of Orion complex) | 8,630 | -5.1 | 1,340 | 2.77 (combined) | 27,000 | SIMBAD | |
| λ Tauri A (Bibing) (in Pisces-Eridanus stellar stream) | 5,800 | -4.669 | 480 | 3.47 (combined) | 18,700 | SIMBAD | |
| ρ Ophiuchi A (in ρ Ophiuchi cloud complex of Scorpius OB2) | 4,000 | -4.285 | 360 | 4.63 (combined) | 22,000 | SIMBAD | |
| δ Persei (Sarvvis) (in α Persei Cluster) | 2,860 | -3.901 | 520 | 3.01 | 14,900 | SIMBAD | |
| α Scorpii B (in Loop I Bubble of Scorpius OB2) | 2,820 | -3.885 | 550 | 5.5 | 18,500 | SIMBAD | |
| α Pavonis Aa (Peacock in Tucana-Horologium association) | 2,150 | -3.593 | 180 | 1.94 | 17,700 | SIMBAD | |
| η Tauri A (Alcyone in Pleiades) | 1,820 | -3.409 | 440 | 2.87 (combined) | 12,300 | SIMBAD | |
| ο Velorum (in IC 2391 of Scorpius OB2) | 1,000 | -2.76 | 490 | 3.6 | 16,200 | SIMBAD | |
| ψ Persei (in α Persei Cluster) | 775 | -2.483 | 580 | 4.31 | 16,000 | SIMBAD | |
| γ Canis Majoris (Muliphein in Collinder 121) | 715 | -2.397 | 440 | 4.1 | 13,600 | SIMBAD | |
| ο Aquarii (in Pisces-Eridanus stellar stream) | 340 | -1.589 | 440 | 4.71 | 13,500 | SIMBAD | |
| φ Eridani (in Tucana-Horologium association) | 255 | -1.276 | 150 | 3.55 | 13,700 | SIMBAD | |
| ν Fornacis (in Pisces-Eridanus stellar stream) | 245 | -1.233 | 370 | 4.69 | 13,400 | SIMBAD | |
| ε Chamaeleontis (in ε Chamaeleontis moving group of Scorpius OB2) | 100 | -0.26 | 360 | 4.91 | 10,900 | SIMBAD | |
| η Chamaeleontis (in η Chamaeleontis moving group of Scorpius OB2) | 95 | -0.204 | 310 | 5.453 | 12,500 | SIMBAD | |
| ε Hydri (in Tucana-Horologium association) | 60 | 0.295 | 150 | 4.12 | 11,000 | SIMBAD | |
| τ1 Aquarii (in Pisces-Eridanus stellar stream) | 50 | 0.429 | 320 | 5.66 | 10,600 | SIMBAD | |
| β1 Tucanae (in Tucana-Horologium association) | 40 | 0.735 | 140 | 4.37 | 10,600 | SIMBAD | |
| Sun (in Solar System) | 1 | 4.739996 | 0.0000158 | -26.744 | 5,772 | IAU |
Note that even the most luminous stars are much less luminous than the more luminous persistent extragalactic objects, such as quasars. For example, 3C 273 has an average apparent magnitude of 12.8 (when observing with a telescope), but an absolute magnitude of −26.7. If this object were 10 parsecs away from Earth it would appear nearly as bright in the sky as the Sun (apparent magnitude −26.744). This quasar's luminosity is, therefore, about 2 trillion (1012) times that of the Sun, or about 100 times that of the total light of average large galaxies like our Milky Way. (Note that quasars often vary somewhat in luminosity.)
In terms of gamma rays, a magnetar (type of neutron star) called SGR 1806−20, had an extreme burst reach Earth on 27 December 2004. It was the brightest event known to have impacted this planet from an origin outside the Solar System; with an absolute magnitude of approximately −29 (as measured by the Swift spacecraft),[citation needed] if these gamma rays were visible it would have been brighter in apparent magnitude than the full moon.
The gamma-ray burst GRB 971214 measured in 1998 was at the time thought to be the most energetic event in the observable universe, with the equivalent energy of several hundred supernovae. Later studies pointed out that the energy was probably the energy of one supernova which had been "beamed" towards Earth by the geometry of a relativistic jet.
| Galaxy | Star | Distance (ly) | Spectral type | Absolute Magnitude | Apparent Magnitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milky Way | G0.238-0.071 | 26,000 | WN11h | -12.01 | 14.37 (J band) | |
| Large Magellanic Cloud | BAT99-98 | 165,000 | WN6 | -12.01 | 13.38 | |
| Small Magellanic Cloud | HD 5980 A | 200,000 | WN4 | -11.135 | 11.31 | |
| Andromeda Galaxy | LGGS J004158.87+405316.7 | 2,500,000 | O9.5Ia | -12 | 18.416 | Likely to be multiple stars |
| Triangulum Galaxy | [BMS2003] 867 A | 2,700,000 | O4Iab | -12 | 16.29 | |
| Sextans A | Sextans A 408 | 4,658,000 | G2Ia | -11.4 | 13.46 | |
| NGC 2403 | NGC 2403 V14 | 10,314,000 | F5Ie | -11.6 | 18.83 | |
| NGC 2366 | NGC 2363-V1 | 10,800,000 | LBV | −10.25 | 17.88 | |
| Messier 81 | 10584-9-1 | 11,842,000 | sgB[e] | -11.0 | 19.1 | |
| NGC 4068 | Object #A | 14,220,000 | WN | -10.7 | 21.145 | |
| NGC 1156 | J025941.21+251412.2 | 23,000,000 | LBV | -10.77 | ||
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: periodical has ISBN (link)