Map of the Universe
Pollux
Star · Star in the constellation Gemini
About Pollux
Pollux is about 33.78 light-years from the Sun, so the light we see from it left about 33.78 years ago.
At apparent magnitude 1.16 it can be seen with the naked eye from a dark site.
It gives out 32.1 times as much light as the Sun.
It has one known planet.
The map lists it as a star and shows it among the stars around the Sun, drawn on the plane of the Milky Way.
Key numbers
| Distance | 33.78 light-years (10.36 pc) |
|---|---|
| Spectral type | K0IIIvar |
| Apparent magnitude | 1.16 |
| Absolute magnitude | 1.08 |
| Luminosity | 32.1 × the Sun |
| Constellation | Gem |
| Known planets | 1 |
Planets: NASA Exoplanet Archive (Planetary Systems Composite Parameters).
Known planets
| Planet | Mass (Earth = 1) | Radius (Earth = 1) | Orbit (days) | Found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD 62509 b | 731 | 13.3 | 589.64 | 2006, radial velocity |
Where it is
Its place in the universe, from the inside out: Solar neighbourhood › Local Bubble › Orion–Cygnus Arm (Local Arm) › Milky Way › Local Group › Virgo Supercluster › Laniakea Supercluster › Observable universe.
Zoom out to see it in context: 100 light-years, a view about 220 light-years across.
From Wikipedia
Pollux is the brightest star in the constellation of Gemini. It has the Bayer designation β Geminorum, which is Latinised to Beta Geminorum and abbreviated Beta Gem or β Gem. This is an orange-hued red giant located at a distance of 34 light-years, making it the closest red giant to the Sun.
Excerpt from the Wikipedia article Pollux (star), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.