Pollux
star · Gemini · 1.2ᵐ
The nearest orange giant to us at 34 light years. A planet twice Jupiter’s mass has been found orbiting it.
Notable facts
About 86 times brighter than the faintest star visible to the naked eye.
In brief
Which constellation is Pollux in?
Pollux lies in Gemini.
Is Pollux visible to the naked eye?
1.2ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe Pollux?
Best observed in January.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 7h 45m · +28° 02′
- Type
- star
- Constellation
- Gemini
- How to observe
- 1.2ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Spectral class
- K0IIIvar — orange star
- Absolute magnitude
- 1.1ᵐ
- Luminosity
- ≈32 × the Sun
- Distance
- ~34 light years
- Designation
- HIP 37826
Observing tip
Stars stay points at any magnification: aim your telescope for colour, brightness and companions, not detail.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 58° | 20° |
| +55° | 63° | 35° |
| +45° | 73° | 48° |
| +30° | 88° | 57° |
| 0° | 62° | 62° |
| −35° | 27° | 55° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 00:00 |
| February | 21:53 |
| March | 20:07 |
| April | 18:14 |
| May | 16:20 |
| June | 14:13 |
| July | 12:09 |
| August | 10:08 |
| September | 08:15 |
| October | 06:27 |
| November | 04:26 |
| December | 02:17 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.