AFGL 2298 has an absolutebolometric magnitude of −11.25,[1] making it one of the most luminous stars known. Indeed, many of the hottest and most luminous stars known are luminous blue variables and other early-type stars. However, like all LBVs, AFGL 2298 is highly variable and the bolometric magnitude refers to its peak luminosity.[1] Its status as an LBV was confirmed in 2003.[4]
Like most extremely massive stars, AFGL 2298 is undergoing mass loss.[5] For example, in 2005 it was estimated to be losing 3.7×10−5 solar masses each year,[5] although the rate of mass loss itself varies frequently and dramatically.[1] The stellar mass is currently being ejected as a nebula around the star (similar to AG Carinae), which was imaged by the Very Large Telescope in 2010.[8] The nebula was found to be fairly circular, and the properties of the dust appeared to be constant throughout the entire nebula.[8]
^ abcdCutri, Roc M.; Skrutskie, Michael F.; Van Dyk, Schuyler D.; Beichman, Charles A.; Carpenter, John M.; Chester, Thomas; Cambresy, Laurent; Evans, Tracey E.; Fowler, John W.; Gizis, John E.; Howard, Elizabeth V.; Huchra, John P.; Jarrett, Thomas H.; Kopan, Eugene L.; Kirkpatrick, J. Davy; Light, Robert M.; Marsh, Kenneth A.; McCallon, Howard L.; Schneider, Stephen E.; Stiening, Rae; Sykes, Matthew J.; Weinberg, Martin D.; Wheaton, William A.; Wheelock, Sherry L.; Zacarias, N. (2003). "VizieR Online Data Catalog: 2MASS All-Sky Catalog of Point Sources (Cutri+ 2003)". CDS/ADC Collection of Electronic Catalogues. 2246: II/246. Bibcode:2003yCat.2246....0C.