POLLUX - is one of the brightest stars in the constellation Gemini and one of the brightest in the nighttime sky. Although it has the Bayer designation "beta", it is actually brighter than Alpha Geminorum (Castor). The name Pollux is traditionally thought by some people to carry the meaning "Much Wine", since astrologers associate Pollux with prosperity and celebration with wine. Actually the name Pollux refers specifically to Pollux, one of the twin sons of Zeus and Leda. Castor and Pollux are the two "heavenly twin" stars giving the constellation Gemini (Latin, "twins") its name. Ironically the two are nothing alike. Castor is a hot white sextuple star system, while Pollux is a single cooler yellow-orange giant.Pollux is also the first star visible from earth which is known to have an extrasolar planet in orbit.
Monday, December 10, 2007
POLLUX
POLLUX - is one of the brightest stars in the constellation Gemini and one of the brightest in the nighttime sky. Although it has the Bayer designation "beta", it is actually brighter than Alpha Geminorum (Castor). The name Pollux is traditionally thought by some people to carry the meaning "Much Wine", since astrologers associate Pollux with prosperity and celebration with wine. Actually the name Pollux refers specifically to Pollux, one of the twin sons of Zeus and Leda. Castor and Pollux are the two "heavenly twin" stars giving the constellation Gemini (Latin, "twins") its name. Ironically the two are nothing alike. Castor is a hot white sextuple star system, while Pollux is a single cooler yellow-orange giant.Pollux is also the first star visible from earth which is known to have an extrasolar planet in orbit.
