A request that this article title be changed to Thestias is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
Discovery[1] | |
---|---|
Discovered by | Hatzes et al. |
Discovery site | United States |
Discovery date | 16 June 2006 |
Radial velocity | |
Designations | |
β Geminorum b, HD 62509 b, Thestias[2] | |
Orbital characteristics[1] | |
1.64 ± 0.27 AU (245 ± 40 million km) | |
Eccentricity | 0.02 ± 0.03 |
589.64 ± 0.81 d 1.61432 ± 0.00222 y | |
2,447,739.02 ± 4.5 | |
Semi-amplitude | 41.0 ± 1.6 |
Star | Pollux |
Physical characteristics[1] | |
Mass | ≥2.30±0.45 MJ |
Pollux b, formally named Thestias /ˈθɛstiəs/, is an exoplanet candidate orbiting the star Pollux approximately 34 light-years away in the constellation of Gemini (the Twins). It is also designated β Geminorum b (Latinized to Beta Geminorum b, abbreviated β Gem b) or HD 62509 b. If this planet exists, it has a minimum mass of about twice the mass of Jupiter, and it moves around Pollux in 1.61 years at a distance of 1.64 AU in a nearly circular orbit.[1] However, its existence has been disputed.[3]