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Pollux

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description Pollux Overview

Pollux, designated Beta Geminorum, is an orange K-type giant star in the constellation Gemini, located approximately 34 light-years from the Sun. It is the brightest star in Gemini and the nearest giant star to the solar system. Pollux hosts a confirmed exoplanet designated Pollux b, also known as Thestias, a gas giant with a minimum mass approximately 2.3 times that of Jupiter orbiting the star at a distance of about 1.6 astronomical units. Pollux forms a notable visual pair with Castor, though the two stars are not gravitationally bound.

help Pollux FAQ

Why does Pollux look orange?

Pollux is an evolved K-type giant with a cooler surface than the Sun, giving it a yellow-orange appearance. It is about 34 light-years away and is the brightest star in Gemini.

Which Gemini twin is brighter, Pollux or Castor?

Pollux is brighter as seen from Earth even though Bayer notation labels it Beta Geminorum. Castor, Alpha Geminorum, is a complex multiple-star system rather than a single orange giant.

What is known about the planet Pollux b?

Pollux b is a confirmed giant planet detected through changes in the star's radial velocity. It takes roughly 590 days to orbit Pollux and has also been given the proper name Thestias.

Can Pollux be seen without a telescope?

Yes, Pollux is a first-magnitude star and is readily visible to the unaided eye under ordinary night skies. It forms the head of one Gemini twin near Castor.

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