Zeta Geminorum

ζ Geminorum
Location of ζ Geminorum (circled)
Observation data
Epoch J2000      Equinox J2000
Constellation Gemini
Right ascension 07h 04m 06.53079s[1]
Declination +20° 34′ 13.0739″[1]
Apparent magnitude (V) 3.93 (3.68 to 4.16)[2]
Characteristics
Spectral type F7Ib to G3Ib[3]
U−B color index +0.55[4]
B−V color index 0.88[4]
Variable type Classical Cepheid[5]
Astrometry
Radial velocity (Rv)+6.7[6] km/s
Proper motion (μ) RA: −7.29[1] mas/yr
Dec.: −0.41[1] mas/yr
Parallax (π)2.78 ± 0.18 mas[7]
Distance1,120 ly
(368[8] pc)
Absolute magnitude (MV)-3.99[9]
Details
Mass7.7 ± 0.3[10] M☉
Radius72±3[11] R☉
Luminosity4,413±332[11] L☉
Surface gravity (log g)1.9[12] cgs
Temperature5,260–5,780[3] K
Metallicity [Fe/H]0.16[12] dex
Rotational velocity (v sin i)19[13] km/s
Age70 ± 25[8] Myr
Other designations
Mekbuda, ζ Gem, 43 Gem, BD+20° 1687, FK5 269, HD 52973, HIP 34088, HR 2650, SAO 79031, WDS J07041+2034A[14]
Database references
SIMBADdata

Zeta Geminorum (ζ Geminorum, abbreviated Zeta Gem, ζ Gem) is a bright star with cluster components, distant optical components and a likely spectroscopic partner in the zodiac constellation of Gemini — in its south, on the left 'leg' of the twin Pollux. It is a classical Cepheid variable star, of which over 800 have been found in our galaxy. As such its regular pulsation and luminosity (proven in its class to correspond) and its relative proximity means the star is a useful calibrator in computing the cosmic distance ladder. Based on parallax measurements, it is approximately 1,200 light-years from the Sun.[7]

Zeta Geminorum is the primary or 'A' component of a multiple star system designated WDS J07041+2034. It bears traditional name Mekbuda, usually anglicised to /mɛkˈbjuːdə/.[15][16]

  1. ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference aaa474_2_653 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference aaa504_3_959 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference aaa367_876 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference ppc was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference gcvs was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference scfs was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference benedict2007 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference majaess2012 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference turner was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference mnras410_1_190 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference gallenne was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  12. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference aaa338 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ Cite error: The named reference uesugi_fukuda70 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  14. ^ Cite error: The named reference SIMBAD was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  15. ^ Davis, George A. (1944). "The pronunciations, derivations, and meanings of a selected list of star names". Popular Astronomy. 52: 8–30. Bibcode:1944PA.....52....8D.
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference IAU-LSN was invoked but never defined (see the help page).