Constellation Gemini
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The Gemini Constellation
Another installment in my constellation series is Gemini, which is one of the twelve constellations of the zodiac. Its name is Latin for "twins", and it is associated with the twins Pollux and Castor in Greek mythology. It lies between Taurus to the west and Cancer to the east, with Auriga and Lynx to the north and Monoceros and Canis Minor to the south of Gemini.
Public image courtesy WPClipart
Public image courtesy WPClipart
Creative Commons image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Background and Mythology
Gemini is most easily found by locating it's two brightest stars, Pollux and Castor. These two clearly visible stars seem relatively close together, helping to add to the mythological link between twins and the constellation. The twin on the left side of the constellation is named Pollux, whose brightest star is the first magnitude 'b' Geminorum (generally known as Pollux), and represents the head of Pollux. The twin on the constellations right is Castor, whose dominant, second magnatude star is 'a' Geminorum (generally known as Castor), and depicts Castor's head. Additionally, the other stars in the constellation can be seen as two parallel lines running from the two main stars, making it look like two independent figures.Gemini is linked to the myths of Pollux and Castor, known as the Dioscuri. One of the most common of these myths involves the theft of cattle, and is possibly linked to prior myths that depict the Milky Way as a herd of cows. On astrological charts, the twins are commonly visualized as tilting away from the Milky Way, but are less commonly depicted with one of the twins living in the Milky Way, and the other outside of it, a scenario making it seem as though one of the twins is pilfering the cattle, and the other is merely observing the heist. The mythology states that when Castor, who was mortal, died Pollux begged his father Jupiter to give Castor immortality. Jupiter did exactly that, and linked the two twins together in the heavens until the end of time.
Public Domain image courtesy WPClipart
More Constellation Gemini Info
- Constellation Gemini
- One of the most prominent meteor showers radiates from this constellation (from the region around Castor), the geminids. They peak on December 13th and 14th ...
- Gemini the Twins
- The Astrological Sign of Gemini and it's related stars....
- Facts About the Constellation Gemini
- Get the facts and information about the constellation Gemini, which is situated between Taurus and Cancer. This is third in the zodiac and symbolizes strength....
- The Mythology of the Constellations: Gemini
- Gemini is a zodiacal constellation representing the twin brothers Castor and Pollux. Both were mothered by Leda, and were therefore brothers of Helen....
- Astronomy Magazine
- Astronomy.com is for anyone who wants to learn more about astronomy events, cosmology, planets, galaxies, asteroids, astrophotography, the Big Bang, ...
Gemini News and Notes
- Must-See Skywatching Events for June 2012
- Just after sunset, a slender crescent Moon points the way to the planet Mercury and the twin stars Castor and Pollux in the constellation Gemini. Castor, Pollux, Mercury and the Moon are visible together on June 21, 2012.
- Moon lines up with stars Castor and Pollux evening May 25
- Tonight's moon ? May 25, 2012 ? is still in front of the constellation Gemini the Twins. Venus still shines brightly in the west, but it slipping ever-nearer the sunset as it prepares to transit the sun on June 5-6. The moon is waxing larger and ...
- Mysterious Nebula Sharpless 2-71 Shines In Photo From Hawaii's Gemini North ...
- The photo from the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii shows the complex planetary nebula Sharpless 2-71, which is located about 3260 light-years from Earth in the constellation Aquila (The Eagle). Planetary nebulas form when a star like our sun exhausts ...
Gemini Items
Recent News from the World of Astronomy
The latest news and stories from outer space
Books on Constellations
The Book of Constellations: Discover the Secrets in the Stars by Robin Kerrod
This fascinating narrative recounts the history of more...0 points
Half-Hours with the Stars: A Plain and Easy Guide to the Knowledge of the Constellations by Richard Anthony Proctor
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published more...0 points
The Cambridge Guide to the Constellations by Michael E. Bakich
Constellations are not new to astronomy. Even befo more...0 points
Constellation Guidebook by Antonin Rukl
Chock-full of glorious photographs, charts, and ma more...0 points
Atlas of the Constellations: Discover the Secrets of the Night Sky by Giles Sparrow
For aspiring astronomers or anyone who has ever been more...0 points
The New Atlas of the Stars: Constellations, Stars and Celestial Objects (Star Atlas) by Axel Mellinger, Susanne M. Hoffman
The ultimate guide for stargazing, anywhere in the more...0 points
The Glorious Constellations: History and Mythology by Giuseppe Maria Sesti
The Glorious Constellations traces the evolution o more...0 points
Thoughts on Gemini?
Feel free to comment here. Thanks for visiting!
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GentlemenGogoVEVO May 1, 2012 @ 3:32 pm | delete
- New things and always nice to know, thanks to your page, i still have to read more information.
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KokoTravel
Jan 7, 2011 @ 7:53 am | delete
- In don't really know anything about astrology or the constelation.=, but thanks for the education.
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Tipi
Jan 4, 2011 @ 4:37 pm | delete
- This is a very interesting and informative lens. I know some Geminis that I get along with very well, really hook up with them.
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agalova
Dec 16, 2010 @ 9:39 pm | delete
- My mom is a Gemini so having some trivia to share next time we are stargazing will be cool. Thanks.
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Other Constellations Include....
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