Kepler-42 vs. UY Scuti

Attribute	Kepler-42	UY Scuti
Star Type	Red Dwarf	Red Supergiant
Mass	0.13 Solar Masses	30 Solar Masses
Radius	0.17 Solar Radii	1708 Solar Radii
Temperature	3,500 K	3,600 K
Distance from Earth	126 light-years	9,500 light-years

Introduction

Kepler-42 and UY Scuti are two very different stars in our universe, each with its own unique set of attributes and characteristics. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two stars, from their size and temperature to their location in the galaxy.

Size

Kepler-42, also known as KOI-961, is a red dwarf star located in the constellation Cygnus. It has a radius of only about 0.13 times that of the Sun, making it one of the smallest stars known to astronomers. In contrast, UY Scuti is a red supergiant star located in the constellation Scutum. It is one of the largest stars known, with a radius that is estimated to be around 1,700 times that of the Sun.

Temperature

Despite their size differences, both Kepler-42 and UY Scuti are relatively cool stars compared to other types of stars. Kepler-42 has a surface temperature of around 3,500 Kelvin, while UY Scuti has a surface temperature of around 3,400 Kelvin. This means that both stars emit light in the red part of the spectrum, giving them their characteristic red color.

Mass

Kepler-42 is a low-mass star, with a mass of only about 0.08 times that of the Sun. This is typical for red dwarf stars, which are known for their relatively low mass compared to other types of stars. On the other hand, UY Scuti is a high-mass star, with a mass that is estimated to be around 30 times that of the Sun. This makes UY Scuti one of the most massive stars known to astronomers.

Location

Kepler-42 is located relatively close to Earth, at a distance of about 130 light-years away. It is part of a triple star system, with two other red dwarf stars orbiting around it. UY Scuti, on the other hand, is located much farther away, at a distance of about 9,500 light-years away. It is a solitary star, not part of any known star system.

Luminosity

Despite its small size, Kepler-42 is a relatively bright star, with a luminosity that is about 0.03 times that of the Sun. This is because red dwarf stars are known for their high energy output relative to their size. UY Scuti, on the other hand, is an extremely luminous star, with a luminosity that is estimated to be around 340,000 times that of the Sun. This makes UY Scuti one of the most luminous stars known.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kepler-42 and UY Scuti are two very different stars with unique attributes that set them apart from each other. Kepler-42 is a small, cool, low-mass star located relatively close to Earth, while UY Scuti is a massive, cool, high-mass star located much farther away. Despite their differences, both stars are fascinating objects that continue to intrigue astronomers and researchers around the world.