The star known to astronomers as R136a1 is among the heaviest, brightest, hottest and biggest ever discovered. So why does its name sound like an obscure insurance form?
A more impressive one seems essential. Piggy, perhaps, after the boy in Lord of the Flies, too big and bright to survive? Or a homage to other stars who burned bright but briefly: Heath Ledger? Bill Hicks? Then there's the obvious ones: the Hulk, Goliath, Brian Blessed. Well, you decide.
