Gemini (constellation)

Gemini
Constellation
Gemini
AbbreviationGem
GenitiveGeminorum
Pronunciation/ˈɛmɪn/ JEM-in-eye
genitive /ˌɛmɪˈnɔːrəm/ JEM-in-OR-əm
Symbolismthe Twins, Castor and Pollux
Right ascension7h
Declination+20°
QuadrantNQ2
Area514 sq. deg. (30th)
Main stars8, 17
Bayer/Flamsteed
stars
80
Stars with planets8
Stars brighter than 3.00m4
Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly)4
Brightest starPollux (β Gem) (1.15m)
Messier objects1
Meteor showersGeminids
Rho Geminids
Bordering
constellations
Lynx
Auriga
Taurus
Orion
Monoceros
Canis Minor
Cancer
Visible at latitudes between +90° and −60°.
Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of February.

Gemini is one of the constellations of the zodiac and is located in the northern celestial hemisphere. It was one of the 48 constellations described by the 2nd century AD astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations today. Its name is Latin for twins, and it is associated with the twins Castor and Pollux in Greek mythology. Its old astronomical symbol is (♊︎).

  1. ^ "ARI Data Base For Nearby Stars". Astronomisches Rechen-Institut Heidelberg. Retrieved 18 June 2012.