Pollux b [SEP] constellation
Pollux b
Pollux b, also designated β Geminorum b (Latinized to beta Geminorum b, abbreviated, β Gem b) and HD 62509 b, formally named Thestias , is an extrasolar planet approximately 34 light-years away in the constellation of Gemini (the Twins). This planet was discovered orbiting the star Pollux in 2006 by astronomer Artie P. Hatzes, confirming his hypothesis originally published in 1993. The planet has at least twice the mass of Jupiter. It moves around Pollux in 1.61 years at a distance of 1.64
to an asterism consisting of Pollux, ρ Geminorum and Castor. Consequently, Pollux itself is known as (, .)
Physical characteristics.
At an apparent visual magnitude of 1.14, Pollux is the brightest star in its constellation, even brighter than its neighbor Castor (α Geminorum). Pollux is 6.7 degrees north of the ecliptic, too far north to be occulted by the moon and planets, but in the distant future it will be close enough.
Parallax measurements by the Hipparcos astrometry satellite place Pollux at a