If UY Scuti replaced the Sun, how far would its photosphere potentially reach?
Answer
Almost to the orbit of Saturn
Given UY Scuti's estimated radius of approximately 1,708 times that of the Sun, calculations suggest that if this red supergiant were hypothetically placed at the center of our Solar System, its outer layers, or photosphere, would extend significantly far. While it would certainly extend past the orbit of Jupiter, some estimates indicate that its edges could reach nearly as far as the orbit of Saturn. This comparison vividly illustrates the tremendous physical difference between UY Scuti and our own star.
Related Questions
What distinction does UY Scuti frequently appear in lists claiming?In which constellation is the red supergiant UY Scuti located?What is the approximate radius of UY Scuti often cited compared to the radius of our Sun ($ ext{R}_{ ext{\odot}}$)?How far away from Earth is the star UY Scuti located in light-years?What is the typical fluctuating range for the apparent magnitude of UY Scuti?What is the approximate upper limit for easy naked-eye observation based on apparent magnitude?If UY Scuti replaced the Sun, how far would its photosphere potentially reach?What optical aid is necessary to reliably observe UY Scuti?Why do observers in the mid-to-high northern latitudes struggle to observe UY Scuti?How does UY Scuti appear even when viewed through optical aid?