WY Velorum
| Observation data Epoch J2000 Equinox J2000 | |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Vela |
| Right ascension | 09h 21m 59.13465s |
| Declination | −52° 33′ 51.6424″ |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 8.84–10.22 |
| Characteristics | |
| Evolutionary stage | Red supergiant (A) Blue giant (B) |
| Spectral type | M2 Ib pe + B2III |
| B−V color index | +0.96 |
| J−H color index | +1.096 |
| J−K color index | +1.57 |
| Variable type | Irregular variable |
| Astrometry | |
| Proper motion (μ) | RA: −6.313 mas/yr Dec.: 4.538 mas/yr |
| Parallax (π) | 0.5187±0.0891 mas |
| Distance | 1900 pc |
| Details | |
| WY Velorum A | |
| Radius | 1,157 R☉ |
| Luminosity | 200,000 L☉ |
| Temperature | 3,550 K |
| Other designations | |
| WY Velorum, CD−52°3010, CPD−52°2262, Gaia DR3 5313125719158014208, HD 81137, TIC 294974397, TYC 8584-2732-1, GSC 08584-02732, IRAS 09203-5220, 2MASS J09215913-5233514, WISE J092158.85-523348.7 | |
| Database references | |
| SIMBAD | data |
WY Velorum, also known as HD 81137, is a binary system between a variable red supergiant (RSG) and a blue giant companion in the constellation of Vela. It is located approximately 1,900 parsecs (6,200 light-years) distant. Its apparent magnitude slowly varies over the course of years between 8.84 and 10.22. As such, it has been described as an irregular variable, though a rough 550-day period and a more uncertain 370-day period have been detected. The primary star is among the largest stars discovered to date, with an estimated radius of 1,157 R☉ (5.38 AU). If it replaced the Sun, its surface would reach past Jupiter's orbit (5.20 AU).