# List of most luminous stars

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.

## Measurement

Accurate measurement of stellar luminosities is difficult, even when the apparent magnitude is measured accurately, for four reasons:
* The distance d to the star must be known, to convert apparent to absolute magnitude. Absolute magnitude is the apparent magnitude a star would have if it were 10 parsecs (~32 light years) away from the viewer. Because apparent brightness decreases as the square of the distance (i.e. as 1/d$^2$), a small error (e.g. 10%) in determining d implies an error ~2× as large (thus 20%) in luminosity (see binomial approximation). Stellar distances are only directly measured accurately out to d ~1,000 light years.
* The observed magnitudes must be corrected for the absorption or extinction of intervening interstellar or circumstellar dust and gas. This correction can be enormous and difficult to determine precisely. For example, until accurate infrared observations became possible ~50 years ago, the Galactic Center of the Milky Way was totally obscured to visual observations.
* The magnitudes at the wavelengths measured must be corrected for those not observed. "Absolute bolometric magnitude" (which term is redundant, practically speaking, since bolometric magnitudes are nearly always "absolute", i.e. corrected for distance) is a measure of the star's luminosity, summing over its emission at all wavelengths, and thus the total amount of energy radiated by a star every second. Bolometric magnitudes can only be estimated by correcting for unobserved portions of the spectrum that have to be modelled, which is always an issue, and often a large correction. The list is dominated by hot blue stars which produce the majority of their energy output in the ultraviolet, but these may not necessarily be the brightest stars at visual wavelengths.
* A large proportion of stellar systems discovered with very high luminosity have later been found to be binary. Usually, this results in the total system luminosity being reduced and spread among several components. These binaries are common both because the conditions that produce high mass high luminosity stars also favour multiple star systems, but also because searches for highly luminous stars are inevitably biased towards detecting systems with multiple more normal stars combining to appear luminous.
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.

## Data

Legend :
* Wolf–Rayet star
* Luminous blue variable
* O-type star
* B-type star
* A-type star
* F-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. The first star in the list, Godzilla — an LBV in the distant Sunburst galaxy — is probably the brightest star ever observed, although it is believed to be 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.
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 cluster, OB association and H II region. 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.
Stars with 1 million L$_☉$ or greater :
| Star name | Bolometric luminosity (L$_☉$, Sun = 1) | Absolute bolometric magnitude | Approx. distance from Earth (ly) | Apparent visible magnitude | Effective temperature (K) | Spectral type | Link |
| LGGS J004246.86+413336.4 (in Andromeda Galaxy) | 19,953,000 | -13.5 | 2,500,000 | 17.791 | 40,000 | O3-O5If | SIMBAD |
| NGC 2363-V1 (in NGC 2366) | 6,300,000 | -12.26 | 10,800,000 | 17.88 | 13,500-26,000 | LBV (in an outburst state) | SIMBAD |
| BAT99-98 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 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 |
| LGGS J004158.87+405316.7 (in Andromeda Galaxy) | 5,012,000 | -12 | 2,500,000 | 18.416 | 30,000 | O9.5Ia | SIMBAD |
| [BMS2003] 867 A (in NGC 604 of Triangulum Galaxy) | 4,932,000 | -12 | 2,700,000 | 16.29 (combined) | 42,400 | O4Iab | SIMBAD |
| R136a1 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 4,677,000 | -11.94 | 163,000 | 12.28 | 46,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD |
| M33-013406.63 A (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 4,677,000 | -11.935 | 3,000,000 | 16.084 (combined) | 30,000 | O9.5Ia | SIMBAD |
| [BMS2003] 867 B (in NGC 604 of Triangulum Galaxy) | 4,395,000 | -11.87 | 2,700,000 | 16.29 (combined) | 42,400 | O4Ia | SIMBAD |
| Westerhout 49-2 (in Westerhout 49) | 4,365,000 | -11.86 | 36,200 | 18.246 (J band) | 35,500 | O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD |
| HD 37836 (in LMC) | 4,169,000 | -11.81 | 163,000 | 10.55 | 28,200 | B0Iae | SIMBAD |
| Sk -69° 249 A (in NGC 2074 of LMC) | 4,130,000 | -11.8 | 160,000 | 10.68 | 38,900 | O7If | SIMBAD |
| η Carinae A (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 4,000,000 | -11.77 | 7,500 | ~4 (combined) | 9,400-35,200 | LBV | SIMBAD |
| R136c (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,802,000 | -11.71 | 163,000 | 13.43 | 51,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD |
| Arches-F7 (WR 102aj in Arches Cluster) | 3,802,000 | -11.71 | 25,000 | 15.74 (J band) | 32,900 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD |
| V1429 Aquilae | 3,802,000 | -11.71 | 12,800 | 9.89 | ~30,000 | B3Ibe | SIMBAD |
| R136a3 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,631,000 | -11.66 | 163,000 | 12.97 | 50,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD |
| Melnick 42 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,631,000 | -11.66 | 163,000 | 12.78 | 47,300 | O2If* | SIMBAD |
| Mercer 23-2 (WR 125–3 in Mercer 23 near Galactic plane) | 3,631,000 | -11.66 | 21,200 | 8.646 (J band) | 38,000 | WNL7-8 | SIMBAD |
| R136a2 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,548,000 | -11.64 | 163,000 | 12.34 | 50,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD |
| NGC 2403 V14 (in NGC 2403) | 3,436,000 | -11.6 | 10,314,000 | 18.83 | 7,000 | F5Ie | 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 (WR 46-3 A in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 3,236,000 | -11.535 | 40,000 | 10.33 (J band) | 32,200 | O6-7.5If+ | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 682 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,236,000 | -11.535 | 164,000 | 16.08 | 52,200 | WN5h | SIMBAD |
| WR 42e (in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 3,200,000 | -11.523 | 25,000 | 14.53 | 43,000 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD |
| R99 (in N44 of LMC) | 3,162,000 | -11.51 | 163,000 | 11.52 | 28,000 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 1022 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 3,020,000 | -11.46 | 164,000 | 13.47 | 42,200 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD |
| WR 24 (in Collinder 228 of Carina Nebula) | 2,951,000 | -11.435 | 8,200 | 6.48 | 50,100 | WN6ha-w | SIMBAD |
| Peony Star (WR 102ka in Peony Nebula near Galactic Center) | 2,951,000 | -11.435 | 26,000 | 12.978 (J band) | 25,100 | WN10 | 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 (WR 43b in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 2,884,000 | -11.41 | 24,000 | 11.33 | 42,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD |
| HD 38282 A (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,754,000 | -11.35 | 163,000 | 11.11 (combined) | 50,000 | WN5-6h | SIMBAD |
| Melnick 34 A (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,692,000 | -11.335 | 163,000 | 13.09 (combined) | 63,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD |
| WR 102hb (in Quintuplet Cluster) | 2,630,000 | -11.31 | 26,000 | 13.9 (J band) | 25,100 | WN9h | 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 |
| BAT99-80 A (in NGC 2044 of LMC) | 2,512,000 | -11.26 | 165,000 | 13 (combined) | 45,000 | O4If | SIMBAD |
| R146 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,512,000 | -11.26 | 164,000 | 13.11 | 63,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 482 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,512,000 | -11.26 | 164,000 | 12.95 | 42,200 | O3If*/WN6-A | SIMBAD |
| HD 97950 A1a (WR 43a A in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 2,455,000 | -11.235 | 24,000 | 11.18 (combined) | 42,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD |
| WR 102ea (in Quintuplet Cluster) | 2,455,000 | -11.235 | 26,000 | 13.18 (J band) | 25,100 | WN9h | SIMBAD |
| HD 38282 B (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,455,000 | -11.235 | 163,000 | 11.11 (combined) | 45,000 | 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 (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 2,399,000 | -11.21 | 6,800 | 8.8 (combined) | 50,100 | O2.5If*/WN6 | SIMBAD |
| LGGS J004444.52+412804.0 (in Andromeda Galaxy) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 2,500,000 | 18.1 | 7,000-18,000 | F0Ia | SIMBAD |
| HD 269327 (in LMC) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 163,000 | 10.74 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD |
| Sk -69° 212 (in NGC 2044 of LMC) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 160,000 | 12.416 | 45,400 | O6If | SIMBAD |
| WR 93 (in Pismis 24 of NGC 6357) | 2,377,000 | -11.2 | 5,700 | 10.68 | 71,000 | WC7 | SIMBAD |
| Melnick 34 B (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,344,000 | -11.185 | 163,000 | 13.09 (combined) | 53,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD |
| VVV CL041-8 (WR 62–2 in VVV CL041) | 2,344,000 | -11.185 | 13,700 | 10.146 (J band) | 34,000 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD |
| Cl 1813-178 #16 (in Cl 1813-178 of W33 Complex) | 2,291,000 | -11.16 | 15,300 | 9.428 (J band) | 30,200 | O8-O9If | SIMBAD |
| R136a7 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,291,000 | -11.16 | 163,000 | 13.97 | 54,000 | O3III(f$^*$) | SIMBAD |
| VVV CL074-12 (in VVV CL074) | 2,291,000 | -11.16 | 20,000 | 12.34 (J band) | 22,500 | B0.5-2I | SIMBAD |
| Arches-F6 (WR 102ah in Arches Cluster) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 25,000 | 15.75 (J band) | 33,900 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD |
| Arches-F9 (WR 102ae in Arches Cluster) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 25,000 | 16.1 (J band) | 36,600 | WN9h | SIMBAD |
| HD 5980 A (in NGC 346 of SMC) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 200,000 | 11.31 (combined) | 21,000-53,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD |
| HD 97950 C1 (WR 43c A in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 24,000 | 11.89 (combined) | 44,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD |
| R136b (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 165,000 | 13.24 | 35,500 | O4If | SIMBAD |
| R145 A (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 163,000 | 12.04 (combined) | 50,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD |
| Var 83 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 2,239,000 | -11.135 | 3,000,000 | 16.027 | 18,000-37,000 | LBV | SIMBAD |
| HD 269810 (in NGC 2032 of LMC) | 2,200,000 | -10.56 | 163,000 | 12.28 | 52,500 | O2III(f*) | 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 |
| VFTS 1021 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,188,000 | -11.11 | 164,000 | 13.35 | 39,800 | O4 If+ | SIMBAD |
| ST5-31 (in NGC 2074 of LMC) | 2,168,000 | -11.1 | 160,000 | 12.273 | 50,700 | O2-3(n)fp | 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 |
| R145 B (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,138,000 | -11.085 | 163,000 | 12.04 (combined) | 43,000 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD |
| WR 89 (in HM 1) | 2,138,000 | -11.085 | 9,500 | 11.02 | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD |
| R136a5 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 2,089,000 | -11.06 | 163,000 | 13.71 | 48,000 | O2I(n)f* | 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 (WR 102ad in Arches Cluster) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 25,000 | 16.3 (J band) | 33,200 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD |
| Arches-F4 (WR 102al in Arches Cluster) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 25,000 | 15.63 (J band) | 36,800 | WN7-8 | 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 (in G10.0–0.3 of Galactic Center) | 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 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,995,000 | -11.01 | 164,000 | 13.32 | 47,300 | O2If*/WN5 | SIMBAD |
| WR 147S (in 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 (in LMC) | 1,959,000 | -10.99 | 163,000 | 12.68 | 37,200 | O7V | 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 |
| AB6 A (in NGC 371 of SMC) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 197,000 | 12.3 (combined) | 80,000 | WN3:h | SIMBAD |
| R136a4 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 163,000 | 13.41 | 50,000 | O3 V((f*))(n) | SIMBAD |
| Westerhout 49-1 (in Westerhout 49) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 36,200 | 15.531 (J band) | 44,700 | O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD |
| WR 22 A (in Bochum 10 of Carina Nebula) | 1,905,000 | -10.96 | 8,200 | 6.42 (combined) | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD |
| HD 269219 (in LMC) | 1,888,000 | -10.95 | 163,000 | 10.87 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD |
| HSH95-36 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,862,000 | -10.935 | 163,000 | 14.41 | 49,500 | O2 If∗ | SIMBAD |
| Hen 3-519 (WR 31a in Blue Bubble Nebula) | 1,820,000 | -10.91 | 24,000 | 10.85 | 30,200 | WN11h | SIMBAD |
| W61 3-20 (in LMC) | 1,820,000 | -10.91 | 163,000 | 13.55 | 39,800 | O5-6V((f))z | SIMBAD |
| Westerhout 51-57 (in Westerhout 51) | 1,820,000 | -10.91 | 20,000 | 16.958 (J band) | 42,700 | O4 V | SIMBAD |
| LGGS J004051.59+403303.0 (in Andromeda Galaxy) | 1,803,000 | -10.9 | 2,500,000 | 16.989 | 18,000-24,000 | LBV | SIMBAD |
| MSX5C G358.5391+00.1305 (in Wray 17-96) | 1,800,000 | -10.898 | 15,000 | 15 | 13,000 | B[e]: | SIMBAD |
| HD 5980 B (in NGC 346 of SMC) | 1,778,000 | -10.885 | 200,000 | 11.31 (combined) | 45,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD |
| WR 130 (in Cygnus OB3) | 1,778,000 | -10.885 | 21,700 | 12.13 | 44,700 | WN8(h) | SIMBAD |
| WR 21a A (Runaway star from Westerlund 2) | 1,778,000 | -10.885 | 14,300 | 12.661 (combined) | 45,000 | O3/WN5ha | SIMBAD |
| V4650 Sagittarii (in Quintuplet cluster) | 1,770,000 | -12.5 – -10.9 | 25,000 | 12.31 (J band) | 11,300 | LBV | 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 (WR 46-5 A in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 40,000 | 11.516 (J band) | 41,400 | WN6 | SIMBAD |
| R136a6 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 163,000 | 13.35 | 52,000 | O2I(n)f*p | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 506 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,738,000 | -10.86 | 164,000 | 13.31 | 47,300 | ON2V((n))((f*)) | SIMBAD |
| HD 35342 B (in LMC) | 1,722,000 | -10.85 | 163,000 | 11.28 | 24,000 | B0.5I | SIMBAD |
| CPD -69 471 (in LMC) | 1,706,000 | -10.84 | 163,000 | 12.37 | 42,700 | 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 |
| R147 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,698,000 | -10.835 | 164,000 | 13.02 | 50,000 | WN5h | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 16 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,698,000 | -10.835 | 164,000 | 13.55 | 53,100 | O2IIIf* | SIMBAD |
| V4998 Sagittarii (near Quintuplet Cluster) | 1,685,000 | -10.83 | 25,000 | 12.534 (J band) | 11,550 | LBV | SIMBAD |
| Cygnus OB2 #12 A (in Cygnus OB2) | 1,660,000 | -10.81 | 5,000 | 11.702 (combined) | 13,700 | B3–4 Ia+ | SIMBAD |
| PGMW 3120 (in LMC) | 1,644,000 | -10.8 | 163,000 | 12.47 | 39,800 | O5.5V((f*)) | 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 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,622,000 | -10.785 | 164,000 | 14.52 | 50,100 | O2 If*/WN5 | SIMBAD |
| WR 87 (in HM 1) | 1,622,000 | -10.785 | 9,500 | 11.83 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD |
| HD 269896 (in LMC) | 1,600,000 | -10.77 | 163,000 | 11.36 | 29,500 | ON9.7Ia+ | SIMBAD |
| Pistol Star (V4647 Sagittarii in Quintuplet cluster) | 1,600,000 | -10.77 | 25,000 | 11.79 (J band) | 11,800 | LBV | SIMBAD |
| J025941.21+251412.2 (in NGC 1156) | 1,600,000 | -10.77 | 23,000,000 | | | LBV | SIMBAD |
| AF Andromedae (in Andromeda Galaxy) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 2,500,000 | 17.325 | 28,000 | LBV | SIMBAD |
| Arches-F12 (WR 102af in Arches Cluster) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 25,000 | 16.4 (J band) | 36,900 | WN7-8 | SIMBAD |
| HSH95-18 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 163,000 | 13.87 | 47,000 | O3III(f+) | SIMBAD |
| LHO 110 (WR 102df in Quintuplet cluster) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 26,000 | 13.87 (J band) | 25,100 | O6–8If | SIMBAD |
| R140a1 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 163,000 | 12.12 (combined) | 34,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD |
| BI 265 (in LMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 163,000 | 12.38 | 40,700 | O5III(fc) | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 457 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 164,000 | 13.74 | 39,800 | O3.5If*/WN7 | SIMBAD |
| WR 107 (in Sagittarius OB1) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 9,400 | 13.51 | 50,100 | WN8 | SIMBAD |
| WR 140 B (in Cygnus OB1) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 5,300 | 6.85 (combined) | 35,000 | O5 | SIMBAD |
| WR 148 A (Runaway star from Galactic plane) | 1,585,000 | -10.76 | 27,100 | 10.3 (combined) | 39,800 | WN8h | 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 |
| Sk -68° 137 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 160,000 | 13.346 | 55,000 | OB | SIMBAD |
| WR 102i (in Quintuplet cluster) | 1,549,000 | -10.735 | 26,000 | 14.31 (J band) | 31,600 | WN9h | SIMBAD |
| HD 97950 A1b (WR 43a B in HD 97950 of NGC 3603) | 1,514,000 | -10.71 | 24,000 | 11.18 (combined) | 40,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD |
| Westerhout 49-3 (in Westerhout 49) | 1,514,000 | -10.71 | 36,200 | 16.689 (J band) | 40,700 | 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 (in HM 1) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 11,000 | 11.64 | 44,700 | O5.5Ifc | SIMBAD |
| LGGS J013245.41+303858.3 (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 3,000,000 | 17.612 | 34,000 | Ofpe | SIMBAD |
| NGC 346-W1 (in NGC 346 of SMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 200,000 | 12.57 | 43,400 | O4If | SIMBAD |
| Sk -65° 47 (in NGC 1923 of LMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 160,000 | 12.466 | 47,800 | O4If | SIMBAD |
| Sk 80 (in NGC 346 of SMC) | 1,500,000 | -10.7 | 200,000 | 12.31 | 38,900 | O7Iaf+ | 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 | |
| HD 93129 Aa (in Trumpler 14 of Carina Nebula) | 1,479,000 | -10.685 | 7,500 | 6.9 (combined) | 42,500 | O2If* | SIMBAD |
| R136a8 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,479,000 | -10.685 | 163,000 | 14.42 | 49,500 | O2–3V | SIMBAD |
| SK -67 150 (in LMC) | 1,472,000 | -10.68 | 163,000 | 12.24 | 41,700 | OB | SIMBAD |
| [HCD2002] 107 (in LMC) | 1,445,000 | -10.66 | 163,000 | 13.79 | 40,700 | O4-6Vz | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 542 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,445,000 | -10.66 | 164,000 | 13.49 | 44,700 | O2If*/WN5 | SIMBAD |
| Z15 (in Messier 81) | 1,445,000 | -10.66 | 11,800,000 | 20.495 | 25,000 | B0.5 | SIMBAD |
| AB8 A (in NGC 602 of SMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 197,000 | 12.9 (combined) | 141,000 | WO4 | SIMBAD |
| Arches-F15 (in Arches Cluster) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 25,000 | 16.12 (J band) | 35,600 | O4-6If | 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 |
| 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 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 164,000 | 13.79 (combined) | 50,000 | OC2.5If* | SIMBAD |
| R134 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 164,000 | 12.58 | 47,000 | WN6h | SIMBAD |
| S Doradus (in NGC 1910 of LMC) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 169,000 | 10.25 | 20,000 | B8/9eq – F0/5:Iae | SIMBAD |
| WR 66 (in Circinus OB1) | 1,413,000 | -10.635 | 16,900 | 11.34 | 44,700 | WN8(h) | SIMBAD |
| HD 37974 (in N135 of LMC) | 1,400,000 | -10.625 | 163,000 | 10.99 | 22,500 | B0.5Ia+ | SIMBAD |
| HD 269846 (in LMC) | 1,406,000 | -10.63 | 163,000 | 11.63 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD |
| W61 3-24 (in LMC) | 1,393,000 | -10.62 | 163,000 | 14.03 | 43,700 | O3.5V(f+) | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 621 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,380,000 | -10.61 | 164,000 | 15.39 | 54,000 | O2V((f*))z | SIMBAD |
| WR 131 (in Cygnus OB3) | 1,380,000 | -10.61 | 22,600 | 12.08 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD |
| Sk -69° 104 (in NGC 1910 of LMC) | 1,368,000 | -10.6 | 160,000 | 12.1 | 39,900 | O6Ib(f) | SIMBAD |
| Var A-1 (in Andromeda Galaxy) | 1,368,000 | -10.6 | 2,500,000 | 17.143 | 21,700 | LBV | SIMBAD |
| Mercer 30-6a A (WR 46-4 A in Mercer 30 of Dragonfish Nebula) | 1,349,000 | -10.585 | 40,000 | 10.39 (J band) | 29,900 | Ofpe/WN9 | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 427 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,349,000 | -10.585 | 164,000 | 13.76 | 39,800 | WN8 | SIMBAD |
| Westerhout 51-3 (in Westerhout 51) | 1,349,000 | -10.585 | 20,000 | 16.998 (J band) | 39,800 | O3-8V | SIMBAD |
| HD 269722 (in LMC) | 1,343,000 | -10.58 | 163,000 | 11.52 | 28,200 | OBe | SIMBAD |
| CXOGC J174502.8-290859 (in Galactic Center) | 1,318,000 | -10.56 | 26,000 | 13.93 (J band) | 33,000 | O9I-B0I | SIMBAD |
| HSH95-49 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,318,000 | -10.56 | 163,000 | 14.75 | 58,000 | O3V | SIMBAD |
| HD 270145 (in LMC) | 1,306,000 | -10.55 | 163,000 | 12.17 | 43,700 | O6.5Iaf | |
| Westerhout 49-15 (in Westerhout 49) | 1,288,000 | -10.535 | 36,200 | 18.307 (J band) | 43,700 | O2-3.5If* | SIMBAD |
| Westerhout 51d (in Westerhout 51) | 1,288,000 | -10.535 | 20,000 | 15.11 (J band) | 42,700 | | SIMBAD |
| WR 18 (in Carina OB1 of Carina Nebula) | 1,288,000 | -10.535 | 12,450 | 10.83 | 112,200 | WN4-s | 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 |
| AB7 A (in NGC 371 of SMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 197,000 | 13.016 (combined) | 105,000 | WN4 | SIMBAD |
| Arches-F3 (WR 102bb in Arches Cluster) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 25,000 | 16.06 (J band) | 29,600 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD |
| Arches-F8 (WR 102ag in Arches Cluster) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 25,000 | 16.31 (J band) | 32,900 | WN8-9h | SIMBAD |
| HD 50064 (in NGC 2301) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 9,500 | 8.21 | 13,500 | B6Ia | SIMBAD |
| HSH95-16 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 13.65 | 42,000 | OC2.5If* | SIMBAD |
| HSH95-20 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 164,000 | 13.71 | 46,000 | O2If* | SIMBAD |
| HSH95-46 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 14.56 | 47,500 | | SIMBAD |
| R139 A (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 163,000 | 11.94 (combined) | 34,000 | O6.5Iafc | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 259 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 164,000 | 13.65 | 37,700 | O6Iaf | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 1031 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,259,000 | -10.51 | 164,000 | 13.89 | 48,000 | O3.5 | 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 |
| ST2-22 (in NGC 2044 of LMC) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 160,000 | 14.3 | 51,300 | O3.5III(f+) | SIMBAD |
| HD 269215 (in LMC) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 163,000 | 11.94 | 36,300 | OB | SIMBAD |
| Trumpler 27-27 (in Trumpler 27) | 1,247,000 | -10.5 | 8,200 | 13.31 | 37,000 | O8III((f)) | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 1028 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,230,000 | -10.485 | 164,000 | 13.84 | 47,300 | O3.5-4.5 | SIMBAD |
| LH 10-3601 (in NGC 1763 of LMC) | 1,202,000 | -10.46 | 160,000 | 13.491 | 55,000 | ON2III(f*) | SIMBAD |
| AB1 (in DEM S10 of SMC) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 197,000 | 15.238 | 79,000 | WN3 | SIMBAD |
| BI 253 (Runaway star from Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 164,000 | 13.76 | 54,000 | O2V-III(n)((f*)) | 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 |
| NGC 346-W3 (in NGC 346 of SMC) | 1,175,000 | -10.435 | 200,000 | 12.8 | 52,500 | O2III(f) | SIMBAD |
| WR 102d (in 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 |
| WR 20a A (in Westerlund 2) | 1,150,000 | -10.412 | 20,000 | 13.28 (combined) | 43,000 | O3If*/WN6 | SIMBAD |
| WR 20a B (in Westerlund 2) | 1,150,000 | -10.412 | 20,000 | 13.28 (combined) | 43,000 | O3If*/WN6 | 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 |
| BAT99-104 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 165,000 | 14.52 | 63,000 | O2If*/WN5 | 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 |
| 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 |
| HD 93205 A (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 7,500 | 7.75 (combined) | 51,300 | O3.5Vf | SIMBAD |
| HSH95-47 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 163,000 | 14.72 | 46,500 | O3III | SIMBAD |
| WR 158 (in Cassiopeia OB1) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 16,300 | 11.282 | 44,700 | WN7h | SIMBAD |
| WR 28 (in FSR 1555) | 1,148,000 | -10.41 | 18,700 | 12.98 | 50,100 | WN6(h)-w | SIMBAD |
| HD 303308 (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 1,138,000 | -10.4 | 7,500 | 8.17 | 51,300 | O3V | 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 (in DEM S80 of SMC) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 197,000 | 15.431 | 100,000 | WN3ha | SIMBAD |
| Arches-F18 (in Arches Cluster) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 25,000 | 16.7 (J band) | 36,900 | O4-6I | SIMBAD |
| BAT99-64 A (in NGC 2033 of LMC) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 165,000 | 14.073 (combined) | 71,000 | WN4o | SIMBAD |
| Var B (in Triangulum Galaxy) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 3,000,000 | 16.208 | 9,000 | LBV | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 562 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 164,000 | 13.66 | 42,200 | O4III(f) | SIMBAD |
| WR 37 (in SFC 27 of G291.27-0.71) | 1,122,000 | -10.385 | 21,900 | 16 | 100,000 | WN4-s | SIMBAD |
| SK -69 98 (in LMC) | 1,096,000 | -10.36 | 163,000 | 12.29 | 28,200 | OB | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 512 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,096,000 | -10.36 | 164,000 | 14.28 | 47,700 | O2V-III((f*)) | 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 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,072,000 | -10.335 | 164,000 | 11.56 | 21,000 | B1Ia+ | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 151 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,072,000 | -10.335 | 164,000 | 14.13 | 42,200 | O6.5II(f)p | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 603 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,060,000 | -10.323 | 164,000 | 13.99 | 43,400 | O4III(fc) | SIMBAD |
| HD 268605 (in LMC) | 1,057,000 | -10.32 | 163,000 | 11.34 | 28,200 | O9.5/B0Ia | 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 (in Trumpler 16 of Carina Nebula) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 10,000 | 8.27 (combined) | 39,300 | O5.5III(fc)var | 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 |
| R133 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 163,000 | 12.49 | 37,600 | O7/8II | SIMBAD |
| HD 269786 (in LMC) | 1,047,000 | -10.31 | 163,000 | 11.18 | 24,000 | B1I | 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 (in 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 (in NGC 2033 of LMC) | 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 267 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 164,000 | 13.49 | 44,700 | O3III-I(n)f* | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 599 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 164,000 | 13.8 | 47,300 | O3III(f*) | SIMBAD |
| VVV CL074-9 (WR 75–29 in VVV CL074) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 20,000 | 15.22 (J band) | 37,000 | WN7/O4-6If+ | SIMBAD |
| WR 156 (in Cepheus OB1) | 1,023,000 | -10.285 | 13,400 | 11.01 | 39,800 | WN8h | SIMBAD |
| HD 269050 (in LMC) | 1,019,000 | -10.28 | 163,000 | 11.54 | 28,200 | B0Ia(e?) | SIMBAD |
| Arches-F2 (WR 102aa in Arches Cluster) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 25,000 | 17.84 (J band) | 33,500 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD |
| Arches-F14 (WR 102ba in Arches Cluster) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 25,000 | 16.38 (J band) | 34,500 | WN8-9 | SIMBAD |
| BAT99-68 (in BSDL 2505 of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.13 | 45,000 | O3If*/WN6 | 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 |
| HSH95-28 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.09 | 48,000 | O3V | SIMBAD |
| HSH95-31 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.12 | 48,000 | | SIMBAD |
| HSH95-57 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 14.8 | 47,000 | O3III | SIMBAD |
| R135 A (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 13.48 (combined) | 50,000 | WN7h | SIMBAD |
| R140a2 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 12.12 (combined) | 34,000 | WC5 | SIMBAD |
| R142 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 163,000 | 11.82 (combined) | 21,000 | B0Ia | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 64 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 164,000 | 14.62 | 39,800 | O7.5II(f) | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 591 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 164,000 | 12.55 | 27,000 | B0.5Ia | SIMBAD |
| VFTS 1034 (in Tarantula Nebula of LMC) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 164,000 | 13.36 | 34,000 | O8II | SIMBAD |
| VVV CL074-3 (WR 75–28 in VVV CL074) | 1,000,000 | -10.26 | 20,000 | 14.72 (J band) | 31,500 | 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$_☉$, Sun = 1) | Absolute bolometric magnitude | Approx. distance from earth (ly) | Apparent visible magnitude | Effective temperature (K) | Link |
| ζ$^1$ Scorpii (in NGC 6231 of Scorpius OB1) | 851,000 | -10.085 | 8,210 | 4.705 | 17,200 | SIMBAD |
| ζ Puppis (Naos in Vela R2 of Vela Molecular Ridge) | 813,000 | -10.035 | 1,080 | 2.25 | 40,000 | SIMBAD |
| 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 |
| ε Orionis (Alnilam in Orion OB1 of Orion complex) | 537,000 | -9.585 | 2,000 | 1.69 | 27,500 | 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 |
| γ$^2$ Velorum B (in Vela OB2) | 280,000 | -8.878 | 1,230 | 1.83 (combined) | 35,000 | 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 |
| ο$^2$ Canis Majoris (in Collinder 121) | 219,000 | -8.61 | 2,800 | 3.043 | 15,500 | SIMBAD |
| θ$^1$ 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 |
| γ$^2$ 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 |
| θ$^2$ 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 (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 |
| θ$^2$ 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 (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 (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 |
| τ$^1$ Aquarii (in Pisces-Eridanus stellar stream) | 50 | 0.429 | 320 | 5.66 | 10,600 | SIMBAD |
| β$^1$ 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 (10$^{12}$) 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; if these gamma rays were visible, with an absolute magnitude of approximately −29, it would have been brighter than the Sun (as measured by the Swift spacecraft).
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.
* ↑ M33-013406.63, also called LGGS J013406.63+304147.8, was thought of as a star with over 8 million luminosity in the past, but a new reference indicated that M33-013406.63 may be a binary, the primary will be reduced to about 4.5 million luminosity.
* ↑ Identified as a binary system, or possibly three stars. But the secondary is almost completely swamped by the primary.
* 1 2 Mercer 23 is an open cluster near Galactic plane.
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mercer 30 is an open cluster in Dragonfish Nebula.
* ↑ The paper mistakenly lists the bolometric magnitude as -10.5 instead of -11.5.
* 1 2 3 4 This is a binary system but the secondary is much less luminous than the primary.
* ↑ VVV CL041 is an open cluster.
* ↑ Cl 1813-178 is an open cluster in the molecular cloud complex W33 Complex.
* 1 2 3 VVV CL074 is an open cluster.
* ↑ Variable, luminosity was five times higher at outburst in 1994.
* ↑ Luminous blue variable, peak luminosity shown.
* ↑ G10.0-0.3 is a radio nebula in Galactic Center.
* ↑ Mercer 81 is an open cluster in the molecular cloud G338.4+0.2.
* 1 2 3 DBSB 179 is an open cluster in the molecular cloud G347.6+0.2.
* ↑ Bochum 10 is an open cluster in Carina Nebula.
* ↑ Blue Bubble Nebula is a Wolf–Rayet nebula around Hen 3-519.
* ↑ Strictly speaking, MSX5C G358.5391+00.1305 is the name of the star, Wray 17-96 is the name of the nebula.
* ↑ N135 is an emission nebula in Large Magellanic Cloud.
* 1 2 3 This parameter is based on the optical-only fits for these stars.
* ↑ DEM S10 is a H II region in Small Magellanic Cloud.
* ↑ FSR 1555 is a star cluster.
* ↑ DEM S80 is a H II region in Small Magellanic Cloud.
* ↑ SFC 27 is a part of the molecular cloud G291.27-0.71.
* ↑ BSDL 2505 is a star cluster in Large Magellanic Cloud.
* ↑ Vela R2 is a OB association in Vela Molecular Ridge.
* ↑ IC 4996 is an open cluster in Cygnus OB1.