Pollux is recognized as both a prominent star and a legendary figure, bridging the realms of astronomy and mythology. Its name is deeply rooted in classical stories, connecting the cosmos to human imagination.
Understanding Pollux the Star
Pollux, officially designated Beta Geminorum, is the brightest star in the constellation Gemini. It resides approximately 34 light-years from Earth, making it the closest orange giant star to our solar system. This evolved star is classified as a K0 III type, indicating its orange hue and its status as a giant that has exhausted the hydrogen in its core.
The surface temperature of Pollux is around 4,810 Kelvin, which is cooler than our Sun. Despite being cooler, Pollux is significantly larger and more luminous, with a radius nearly nine times greater and shining 38 to 46 times brighter than the Sun. In 2006, an exoplanet, Pollux b (also known as Thestias), was announced orbiting the star. This exoplanet, with a minimum mass at least 2.3 times that of Jupiter, orbits Pollux approximately every 590 days.
Pollux in Ancient Mythology
In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, Pollux, or Polydeuces, is one of the Dioscuri, twin half-brothers born from Queen Leda. While Castor was the mortal son of Leda and King Tyndareus of Sparta, Pollux was the immortal offspring of Leda and Zeus. This dual parentage meant Pollux possessed divine qualities, setting him apart from his mortal brother.
The brothers shared a strong bond and embarked on numerous adventures. They participated in the Argonautic expedition, where Pollux defeated King Amycus in a boxing contest. They also played a role in the Calydonian Boar Hunt and rescued their sister, Helen of Troy, after she was abducted by Theseus. When Castor was mortally wounded, Pollux pleaded with Zeus to share his immortality with his brother. Zeus granted this, allowing the twins to alternate between Mount Olympus and the underworld, ensuring their togetherness.
The Constellation Gemini
The celestial link between Pollux and its mythological counterpart is displayed in the constellation Gemini, meaning “the Twins” in Latin. Pollux (Beta Geminorum) and Castor (Alpha Geminorum) are the two brightest stars in this constellation, marking the heads of the celestial twins. Despite Pollux being brighter, Castor holds the Alpha designation due to historical classification methods.
Gemini is one of the twelve constellations of the zodiac, positioned in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is easily recognizable in the night sky, particularly visible during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. The constellation’s distinct outline, formed by these two luminous stars, embodies the myth of the inseparable brothers.