Tags: Star.
V838 Monocerotis (V838 Mon) is a red variable star in the constellation Monoceros about 20000 light years (6 kpc) from the Sun. The previously unknown star was observed in early 2002 experiencing a major outburst and was possibly one of the largest known stars for a short period following the outburst. Originally believed to be a typical nova eruption it was then realized to be something completely different.
