Gemini: The Twins
Pronunciation: JEM-uh-Nye
| Gemini Constellation Profile | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation: Gem | Genitive: Geminorum |
| Origin: Ancient | Location: Northern Hemisphere |
| Best View (North): Winter | Best View (South): |
| Bordering Constellations: Auriga, Taurus, Orion, Monoceros, Canis Minor, Cancer, Lynx | |
The Myth Behind the Constellation Gemini
Gemini represents the twins Polydeuces (Pollux in Latin) and Castor. Their mother was Leda, and Polydueces’ father was Zeus and Castor’s father was King Tyndareus. Because of his parentage, Polydeuces was immortal, while Castor was not. The twins were inseparable and were involved in many adventures, including Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece. In a fight over two women with another pair of twins, Castor was killed. Polydeuces, not wanting to be without Castor, asked to share his immortality with his brother. Zeus let the two stay together, spending part of their time on Olympus and part in Hades.Gemini Constellation Points of Interest
| Interesting Objects in the Constellation Gemini | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Messier | NGC | Type | Visibility |
| M35 | NGC 2168 | Open Cluster | Binoculars | |
Bright Stars in Gemini
These are the stars in Gemini with a minimum magnitude of 3.0.| Name | Bayer Name | Magnitude | Color | Luminosity | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pollux | Beta Geminorum | 1.16 | Orange | 49 suns | 34 ly |
| Castor | Alpha Geminorum | 1.58 | Red | 59 suns | 52 ly |
| Alhena | Gamma Geminorum | 1.93 | White | 161 suns | 105 ly |
| Tejat Posterior | Mu Geminorum | 2.87 | Red | 1,540 suns | 232 ly |