NOTABLE STARS
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

                  
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CATEGORIES
  • SITE MAP
  • COPYRIGHT
  • ADVERTISE
  • CONTACT
    •

    entire Web this site



    Pollux (Beta Geminorum)

    Pollux
    The brightest star in the constellation Gemini, despite its Beta designation, and the 17th brightest in the sky. Pollux is a giant orange K star that makes an interesting color contrast with its white "twin," Castor. Evidence has been found for a a hot, outer, magnetically supported corona around Pollux, and the star is known to be an X-ray emitter.


    visual magnitude 1.16
    absolute magnitude 1.08
    spectral type K0IIIb
    surface temperature 4,500 K
    luminosity 32 Lsun
    radius 10 Rsun
    distance 34 light-years
    position R.A. 07h 45m 18.9s,
    Dec. +28° 1' 34"



    Discovery of a planet around Pollux

    On Jun. 16, 2006, a team of astronomers (including A. P. Hatzes, W. D. Cochran, E. Endl, E. W. Guenther, S. H. Saar, G. A. H. Walker, S. Yang, M. Hartmann, M. Esposito, and D. B. Paulson) confirmed the presence of a Jupiter-class planet around Pollux. Pollux b had been first detected in 1993. Assuming a mass for Pollux of 1.7 solar masses, Pollux b has a minimum mass of 2.3 +/- 0.45 Jupiter-masses. It moves around Pollux at an average distance of 1.64 +/- 0.27 AU in a nearly circular orbit (eccentricity = 0.02 +/- 0.03) with a period of 1.6 years (589.64 +/- 0.81 days).


    Related entry

       • brightest stars


    Related category

       • NOTABLE STARS





    Also on this site:

    Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
    Encyclopedia of History
    Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site)


    BACK TO TOP