What it looks like
Gemini is a zodiac constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere, drawn as two figures holding hands. Its two brightest stars, Castor and Pollux, form the twins' heads and give the constellation its name.
Brightest stars
Gemini has two standout stars — Pollux, the brighter and nearer, and Castor, a celebrated multiple star system.
| Star | Magnitude | Distance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pollux (β Geminorum) | +1.14 | 34 ly | — |
| Castor (α Geminorum) | +1.58 | 51 ly | — |
| Alhena (γ Geminorum) | +1.90 | 109 ly | The Brand |
| Wasat (δ Geminorum) | +3.53 | 60 ly | Middle |
Mythology and history
In Greek myth, Gemini represents Castor and Pollux, the inseparable twin brothers — one mortal, one divine.
Castor and Pollux
Castor was the mortal son of Tyndareus and Pollux the immortal son of Zeus. When Castor was killed in battle, the grieving Pollux asked Zeus to let him share his immortality with his brother. Zeus placed them both in the sky as the Twins, and they became patrons of sailors and hospitality.
How to find it
Look for two bright stars side by side, northeast of Orion and above the bright star Procyon.
- Find Orion first, then look up and to the left.
- Castor and Pollux are the two brightest stars in that area.
- Best on winter evenings from the northern hemisphere.
Key facts
- Abbreviation
- Gem
- Genitive
- Geminorum
- Meaning
- The Twins
- Brightest star
- Pollux
- Main stars
- 17
- Area rank
- 30th
- Best visible
- February
- Declination
- +20°
- Meteor showers
- Geminids
- Neighbours
- Lynx, Auriga, Taurus, Orion, Monoceros, Canis Minor, Cancer
Deep-sky objects
Gemini contains the Eskimo Nebula (NGC 2392), a planetary nebula, and the open cluster M35 near the foot of Castor.
Frequently asked questions
What does the constellation Gemini look like?
Gemini is a zodiac constellation known as the Twins, marked by its two brightest stars, Castor and Pollux, which sit side by side.
What is the brightest star in Gemini?
The brightest star in Gemini is Pollux, shining at around magnitude 1.14.
When is Gemini best visible?
Gemini is best seen from both hemispheres during February.
What is the story behind Gemini?
In Greek myth, Gemini represents Castor and Pollux, the inseparable twin brothers — one mortal, one divine.
Which constellations are near Gemini?
Gemini borders Lynx, Auriga, Taurus, Orion, Monoceros, Canis Minor and Cancer.
Taurus
Cancer