Pollux (star) facts for kids

Pollux is a bright, orange giant star. It is the brightest star you can see in the Gemini constellation, also known as "The Twins." Pollux is huge, with a diameter of more than 11,000,000 kilometers!

What is Pollux?

Pollux is a very interesting star. It started its life as a "Type A" star, which is a hot, blue-white star. Over a very long time, Pollux used up all the hydrogen fuel in its center. When this happened, it began to change. It grew much bigger and turned into the orange giant star we see today.

Where Can You Find Pollux?

You can easily spot Pollux in the night sky. It's part of the Gemini constellation. This constellation looks like two stick figures holding hands, or two bright stars next to each other. Pollux is one of the two brightest stars in this group. Its partner star is called Castor.

How Big is Pollux?

Pollux is much larger than our own Sun. Imagine the Sun, and then picture a star that is many times bigger! Pollux is so big that its diameter is over 11 million kilometers. This makes it a true giant in space.

Images for kids

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  Pollux is one of the two brightest stars in the constellation of Gemini (lower left).

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  The Sun viewed from Pollux (in red circle) in the constellation Sagittarius. Made with Celestia.

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  Size comparison of Pollux (left) and the Sun (right)

See also

In Spanish: Pólux (estrella) para niños