Wolf-Rayet Star

A Wolf-Rayet Star is a type of star characterized by extreme temperature and mass. It generates enough heat and radiation that it begins to vent its own mass into surrounding space. The loss of mass is continuous and rapid, which limits the lifespan of a Wolf-Rayet Star.

Fast Facts

1. Also known as: WR Star
2. Surface temperature: 25,000 to 50,000 degrees Kelvin (5 to 10 times hotter than the Sun)
3. Mass: More than 20 times the mass of the Sun
4. Internal radiation causes star to vent mass into space
5. Loses mass up to a billion times faster than the Sun
6. Equivalent to about the mass of the Earth lost per year¹
7. WR104 was discovered near enough to Earth to pose a possible threat

Types of Wolf-Rayet Star

1. WN Stars: Abundant in nitrogen, contains some carbon
2. WC Stars: Mostly carbon, no nitrogen
3. WO Stars: More oxygen than carbon (very rare)²

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