Herschel telescope 'fingerprints' colossal star (BBC) {VY CanMaj}

[eppur_se_muova]

By Jonathan Amos
Science reporter, BBC News

The death throes of the biggest star known to science have been observed by Europe's new space telescope, Herschel.

The observatory, launched in May, has subjected VY Canis Majoris, to a detailed spectroscopic analysis.

It has allowed Herschel to identify the different types of molecules and atoms that swirl away from the star which is 30-40 times as massive as our Sun.

VY Canis Majoris is some 4,500 light-years from Earth and could explode as a supernova at any time.

It is colossal. If it was sited at the centre of our Solar System, it would extend beyond the orbit of Saturn.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8382348.stm

[derby378]

1. You need 1.168 octillion hydrogen atoms to span the diameter of VY Canis Majoris

Ponder that massive number for a little while.

If the light from the star's explosion reaches us in our lifetime, I hope we capture it as an actual film.

[Faygo Kid]

2. Glad that sucker is 4,500 light years away.

Any planets harboring life within 50 light years can say goodbye.