Pollux (78Bet Gem) — Gemini · Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-37826

Pollux is a notable star within the Gem constellation, a relatively ancient and modestly sized star system. Officially recognized as a “star”, it’s a small red dwarf, approximately 0.42 luminous hours in diameter. Its location in the Orion Nebula results

The recognizable aspect of Pollux stems primarily from its position within the Orion Nebula, a stellar birth cloud located significantly away from the heart of the galaxy. This unique configuration, due to its orbit, lends itself to frequently observed and admired visibility as a faint, reddish glow within the nebula’s larger light show. Stellar positions within the nebula's complex structure are a constant point of focus for observers, offering an aesthetically appealing glimpse into the processes that birthed generations of stars, including Pollux. The star's relatively long period of observation, combined with its apparent brightness, has facilitated detailed studies into its physical properties, though detailed surface composition data remains limited.

Given its prominence within the Gem constellation and its apparent brightness, Pollux can be considered a symbolically interesting choice to designate a personal element, a tiny reflection, or perhaps even a silent blessing. The intense glow emanating from this star signifies a focal point, an area of significance within the expansive cosmos and subtly emphasizes a moment of quiet observation.

How to see it

Pollux has a visual magnitude of about 1.16: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Pollux: right ascension 7h 45m 19s, declination +28° 1′ 34″ (J2000), in the region of the Gemini constellation (IAU figure Gem).

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Catalog context

Pollux. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 78Bet Gem, HIP 37826, HD 62509, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-37826. In the SkyKeepsake Gemini (Gem) browse hub it sits with other stars of the same IAU figure.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia: Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-37826
HIP: 37826
HD: 62509
gaia_dr3: HYG-HIP-37826
Bayer / Flamsteed: 78Bet Gem

Also known as

Observed properties

Visual magnitude: 1.16