# How has the estimate of the number of stars in the universe changed over time?

Current estimates for the number of stars in the universe are about 10^22. However, that number has changed several times as new observations have come forth. How has the estimate of the number of stars in the universe changed over time? What was the estimate after Hubble's findings? What was the estimate in the 70s, 90s, etc., and what new discoveries forced those estimates to change?

• Until around the early 1900s, no other galaxies were known... it has likely affected the estimations a little bit. But statistical methods in the astronomy were far lesser common. – peterh - Reinstate Monica May 31 '19 at 22:16
• Thanks. I'm curious how estimates changed since the advent of modern radio telescopes etc. For example, were estimates ever 10^18, 10^19, etc.? – user27343 May 31 '19 at 22:25

Do you mean the observable universe? We can only see stars whose light has reached us since the big bang, but the universe is much larger. We don't even know whether it is infinite. This article discusses estimates since 1995, giving a current estimate of $$10^{24}$$.