Gamma Geminorum, formally named Alhena, is the third-brightest object in the constellation of Gemini. It has an apparent visual magnitude of 1.9, making it easily visible to the naked eye even in urban regions.

Is Alhena a giant star?

The primary component, formally named Alhena, has stopped fusing hydrogen in its core as it evolved away from the main sequence. It is a white subgiant star with a mass of 2.81 solar masses and a radius 3.3 times that of the Sun.

What color is Alhena?

Alhena is a main star in the constellation Gemini and makes up the constellation outline. Based on the spectral type (A0IV) of the star, the star's colour is blue - white . Alhena is the 43rd brightest star in the night sky and the 3rd brightest star in Gemini based on the Hipparcos 2007 apparent magnitude.

What is Pollux radius compared to the sun?

Being an evolved giant orange star, Pollux is considerably larger than the sun. It has almost 9 times the sun's radius – 8.8 solar radii, almost eighteen times its diameter and around 2 times its mass – 1.91 solar masses.

Is Pollux approaching Earth or receding from Earth?

Locating Pollux

The giant star lies close to Earth, about 35 light-years away, with a luminosity of about 32 times that of the sun, according to NASA. Its apparent magnitude is 1.14, making it the 17th brightest star in the night sky.

Eyes on the Sky: Super Star Alhena

15 related questions found

Is Pollux the North star?

Pollux is 6.7 degrees north of the ecliptic, presently too far north to be occulted by the moon and planets. ... Once an A-type main-sequence star, Pollux has exhausted the hydrogen at its core and evolved into a giant star with a stellar classification of K0 III.

What constellation is Alhena?

Gamma Geminorum (γ Geminorum, abbreviated Gamma Gem, γ Gem), formally named Alhena /ælˈhiːnə/, is the third-brightest object in the constellation of Gemini. It has an apparent visual magnitude of 1.9, making it easily visible to the naked eye even in urban regions.

What is the meaning of Alhena?

In Muslim Baby Names the meaning of the name Alhena is: A ring. A star in the constellation Gemini.

What is the distance between Pollux and Castor?

At 34 light-years, Pollux is closer to us while Castor lies 51 light-years away. Thus Pollux and Castor aren't gravitationally bound, but only near each other along our line of sight. Their proximity in our sky is what makes them easy to spot.

What is the fifth brightest star in the Gemini constellation?

Epsilon Geminorum (Mebsuta) – This variable double star is the fifth brightest star in Gemini and 900 light-years away from us. The magnitude 3.00 primary is an orange supergiant, while the secondary component shines at magnitude 9.64 110 arcseconds away.

When was the Gemini constellation discovered?

It was discovered by the Swiss astronomer Philippe Loys de Chéseaux in 1745 and later independently discovered by English doctor and astronomer John Bevis before 1750.

What is the history of Gemini?

In Greek mythology, the constellation of Gemini was associated with the twin's Castor and Pollux. Even the name, Gemini, translates to twins, from Latin. ... Pollux was the son of Zeus, who seduced Leda, while Castor was the son of Tyndareus, the king of Sparta and Leda's husband.

How long will Pollux live?

The star's estimated age is 724 million years. Pollux is believed to have started its life as a main sequence star of the spectral type A, but eventually spent its supply of hydrogen and evolved into an orange giant. It will keep getting bigger until it reaches the end of its life cycle.

Is Sirius bigger than Pollux?

A star named Sirius appears as the brightest star in the nighttime sky, even though a star named Pollux actually gives off more light. Which of the following best explains why Sirius appears brighter than Pollux in our nighttime sky? Answer Options: ... Sirius is larger than Pollux is.

How is Pollux classified?

Pollux is classified as a “K0 IIIb” star. The K0 means that it is somewhat cooler than then sun, with a surface color that is a light yellowish orange.