Leap | Leap+1 | Leap+2 | Leap+3 | |
1950 | 75Sigma GEM | 75Sigma GEM | 75Sigma GEM | |
77Kappa GEM | 77Kappa GEM | 77Kappa GEM | 77Kappa GEM | |
78Beta GEM | 78Beta GEM | 78Beta GEM | ||
2000 | 75Sigma GEM | 75Sigma GEM | 75Sigma GEM | 75Sigma GEM |
77Kappa GEM | 77Kappa GEM | 77Kappa GEM | ||
78Beta GEM | 78Beta GEM |
In a few cases you have a choice and you can consult the descriptions to see which one you like better.
Remember that a smaller magnitude number is a brighter star, if that is your preference.
78 Beta is Pollux, a bright and well-known star and a great choice. Even for L+2 and L+3 in the 2000 era, where it is not the technical choice, it will be pretty close.
75Sigma GEM
Birthday from Jack’s initial research: July 16
Magnitude: 4.3, variable
Spectrum/Star type: Orange Giant
Distance in Light Years: 120
Diameter compared to Sun: 15
Luminosity compared to Sun: 80
Date best observed: Mar 2
Additional information: Spectroscopic Binary. Sigma is just above Pollux.
77Kappa GEM
Birthday from Jack’s initial research: July 16
Magnitude: 3.6
Spectrum/Star type: Yellow Giant
Distance in Light Years: 145
Diameter compared to Sun: 11
Luminosity compared to Sun: 60
Date best observed: Mar 2
Additional information: Probably a Binary
Name: 78Beta GEM Pollux
Birthday from Jack’s initial research: July 16
Magnitude: 1.1, 17th brightest
Spectrum/Star type: Orange Giant
Distance in Light Years: 34, close to us
Diameter compared to Sun: 10
Luminosity compared to Sun: 45
Date best observed: Mar 3
Additional information: Brightest star with a planet. A Boxer, the immortal one of the
Twins. Pollux is a Navigational Star and is the
left one of The Twins-it has 2 “l”s in its name! Notice here, the brighter star is the “Beta” one.