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Sky-Tonight.com / Constellations / Gemini
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This Earth map fragment is intended to illustrate celestial motion across the sky, emphasizing both bearing and elevational perspectives. The map's center point corresponds to the transit, showcasing celestial objects at their highest point, while elevation gradually decreases towards the map edges. This dynamic representation offers insights into the changing positions of celestial bodies with a focus on their bearing and elevational trajectories.
Your location: Columbus, United States
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Latitude:
39.9625
Longitude:
-83.0061

Gemini Constellation

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Gemini, the twins, is a zodiac constellation representing the mythological twins Castor and Pollux. It is known for its bright stars, Castor and Pollux, and its prominent place in the winter sky.

Gemini (The Twins)

Gemini is a prominent constellation in the northern sky, representing the mythological twins Castor and Pollux. It is one of the 13 ecliptic constellations and is easily recognizable by its two bright stars, named after the twins themselves. Gemini is rich in both mythological significance and astronomical features, making it a favorite among stargazers.

Key Features

  • Bright Stars: Gemini’s two brightest stars mark the heads of the twins:
    • Castor: A complex star system consisting of six stars, appearing as a single point of light to the naked eye.
    • Pollux: The brightest star in Gemini, an orange giant located approximately 34 light-years away.
  • Deep-Sky Objects: Gemini contains several notable celestial objects:
    • Messier 35 (M35): A large and bright open star cluster located near the feet of the twins.
    • Eskimo Nebula (NGC 2392): A planetary nebula resembling a face surrounded by a parka hood.

Mythological Background

In Greek mythology, Gemini represents the twin brothers Castor and Pollux, the sons of Leda. Castor was mortal, while Pollux was immortal, being the son of Zeus. When Castor died, Pollux pleaded with Zeus to reunite them, leading to their placement among the stars as the constellation Gemini. Their story symbolizes brotherly love, loyalty, and sacrifice.

The constellation also features prominently in Roman and other ancient myths, often as symbols of companionship, strength, and duality.

Cultural Significance

Gemini has been an important constellation for navigation and timekeeping. Its rising and setting times have historically been used to mark seasonal changes. The twins’ association with sailors made them a symbol of protection and guidance during maritime journeys.

Gemini Rise and Set Timetable

TimeElevation
Gemini Transit15:4172°
Moon Rise, 74.8% illuminated15:5271°
Sunset20:5622°
Civil sunset21:3016°
Astrosession begin22:118°
Gemini Set22:57
Moon Set03:10-28°
Astrosession end04:50-26°
Gemini Rise08:21

Track Gemini Position Throughout the Night

← Fri, 6 June 2025 →

Elevation (degrees)
Time
Altitude
Azimuth
Shift the map to change the time and observe Gemini changing position in the night sky.

Annual motion of Gemini

Time
DateFri, 6 June 2025
Twighlight start22:53
Twighlight end03:57
Twighlight duration5h 4m
Rise08:21
Set22:53
Elevation at transit72°
Transit time15:37
Equatorial coordinatesRA: 07h 07m 16s", Dec: 21° 31' 49s
Magnitude-
Constellation
The graph illustrates the annual visibility pattern of a Gemini, providing a comprehensive overview of its daily appearances and transit times throughout the year.
The graph is structured with the vertical axis showing the hours of the day, ranging from 12 AM to 12 AM the next day, while the horizontal axis spans each day of the year.
The reddish shaded area indicates the periods when the Gemini is above the horizon, visible to observers. The white line marks the times when the celestial object reaches its highest point in the sky each day, known as the transit.

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for defining and standardizing the official constellation boundaries, which provide a consistent framework for celestial mapping.

Special thanks to Sky & Telescope Magazine and contributors Roger Sinnott and Rick Fienberg for their collaboration in producing the charts and tables. The constellation patterns, drawn by Alan MacRobert, were influenced by the work of H. A. Rey and thoughtfully adjusted to align with earlier traditions.