What is the most massive known star in the Milky Way galaxy?

When it comes to stars, size matters. The most massive stars in the Milky Way are a rare and fascinating group that have captured the attention of astronomers for decades. In 2023, the most massive known star in the Milky Way is thought to be UY Scuti, a red supergiant located in the constellation Scutum. UY Scuti has a mass estimated to be around 30 times that of our sun, making it one of the most massive stars known.

However, the exact mass of UY Scuti is difficult to determine, and there are other contenders for the title of most massive star. For example, the star R136a1 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, has a mass estimated to be over 300 times that of our sun. While not technically located in the Milky Way, R136a1 is still considered a member of our galaxy's stellar population.

The study of massive stars is important for understanding the evolution and dynamics of galaxies. Massive stars have a profound impact on their surroundings, influencing the formation of other stars and the chemical composition of their host galaxies. By studying the most massive stars in the Milky Way and beyond, astronomers can gain insights into the processes that shape our universe.