Gemini (constellation) facts for kids
| Constellation | |
List of stars in Gemini
|
|
| Abbreviation | Gem |
|---|---|
| Genitive | Geminorum |
| Pronunciation | genitive |
| Symbolism | the Twins, Castor & Pollux |
| Right ascension | 7 |
| Declination | +20 |
| Quadrant | NQ2 |
| Area | 514 sq. deg. (30th) |
| Main stars | 8, 17 |
| Bayer/Flamsteed stars |
80 |
| Stars with planets | 8 |
| Stars brighter than 3.00m | 4 |
| Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly) | 4 |
| Brightest star | Pollux (β Gem) (1.15m) |
| Messier objects | 1 |
| Meteor showers | Geminids 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. It was one of the 48 constellations described by the ancient astronomer Ptolemy around 2 AD. Today, it is one of the 88 modern constellations we know. Its name comes from Latin and means "twins." This name refers to the famous twins Castor and Pollux from Greek mythology. The symbol for Gemini is 
(Unicode ♊).
Contents
Finding Gemini in the Sky
Gemini is located between Taurus to its west and Cancer to its east. You can find Auriga and Lynx to the north of Gemini. To the south, you'll see Monoceros and Canis Minor.
Amazing Meteor Showers
The Geminids are a fantastic meteor shower. You can see them best around December 13–14. During this time, you might spot about 100 meteors per hour! It's one of the brightest and most active meteor showers.
There's also another meteor shower called the Epsilon Geminids. These meteors peak between October 18 and October 29. They are harder to see because they happen at the same time as the Orionids meteor shower. However, Epsilon Geminid meteors move much faster than Orionids.
The Mythology of Gemini
In ancient Babylonian astronomy, the stars we call Castor and Pollux were known as the Great Twins. These Twins were seen as minor gods. They were named Meshlamtaea and Lugalirra. These names meant 'The One who has arisen from the Underworld' and the 'Mighty King'. Both names were titles for Nergal, a powerful Babylonian god of sickness and the king of the Underworld.
Seeing the Stars of Gemini
Castor and Pollux are the brightest stars in the Gemini constellation. They look like two very bright stars that are close together, forming a shape like the letter "o".
Gemini in Astrology
In astrology, the Sun appears to be in the constellation Gemini from June 20 to July 20. In tropical astrology, the Sun is in the sign Gemini from May 21 to June 22. In sidereal astrology, it is from June 16 to July 15.
Images for kids
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AFGL 5180 - Through the Clouds.
See also
In Spanish: Géminis (constelación) para niños
