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Gemini

The Twins, Castor and Pollux. Pollux is the nearest giant star to our Sun; Castor is a remarkable sextuple star system.

May 21 — June 20💨 Air514 sq°
Brightest StarPollux
Ruling PlanetMercury
Best ViewingDec – May
Stars6 main
View Gemini in Sky Map

Mythology

Born to Leda with different fathers — mortal Castor and immortal Pollux. When Castor died in battle, grief-stricken Pollux begged Zeus to share his immortality. Zeus placed them together among the stars, inseparable for eternity.

Astronomy

Radiant point for the Geminid meteor shower (Dec 13-14, up to 150 meteors/hour — the best annual display). Castor is six stars — three binary pairs orbiting each other. A good telescope splits the main pair at just 5 arc-seconds.

Notable Stars

How to Find It

Look northeast of Orion for two bright stars close together. Pollux is slightly brighter and more orange; Castor is whiter. The Geminids in December start early evening and continue all night — just need a dark sky and patience.

Neighboring Constellations

What do the planets mean in Gemini?

Explore the Constellations