HD 45350

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**HD 45350**
Observation data Epoch 2000
Constellation (pronunciation)	Auriga
Right ascension	6^h 28^m 45.71^s
Declination	+38° 57' 46.67"
Apparent magnitude (V)	7.88
Distance	160.0 ly (48.95 pc)
Spectral type	G5IV
Other designations
BD+39°1637, HIP 30860

HD 45350 is an 8th magnitude star in the constellation of Auriga. It is a yellow subgiant (spectral type G5 IV), a Sun-like star that is finishing hydrogen fusion in its core. Although slightly cooler, it is brighter, although not much considering its subgiant status. However, the star is very old and will soon start to expand becoming finally a red giant.

The star is visible only with binoculars or better equipment.

In January 2005 discovery of an extrasolar planet orbiting the star was announced by the California and Carnegie Planet Search team.

[edit] HD 45350 b

**HD 45350 b**
Orbital elements
Extrasolar planet		List of extrasolar planets
Semimajor axis	(a)	1.918±0.069 AU
Eccentricity	(e)	0.778±0.011
Orbital period	(P)	962.1±4.4 d
Angular distance	(θ)	39.184 mas
Longitude of periastron	(ω)	388.7±4.1°
Time of periastron	(T₀)	2,451,827.4±9.4 JD
Semi-amplitude	(K)	64.2±2.5 m/s
Physical characteristics
Mass	(m)	>1.82±0.14 M_J
Discovery information
Discovery date		January 25, 2005
Discoverer(s)		Marcy, Butler, Vogt et al.
Detection method		Radial velocity
Discovery status		Published

The planet, designated as HD 45350 b, has about the same mass as Jupiter. The mean distance of the planet from the star is more than distance between Mars and Sun, but the eccentricity of the orbit is nothing short of remarkable; at periapsis the planet is as close to the star as Mercury is from the Sun, but at apoapsis it is 8 times further. No doubt seasons on the planet would be extreme.