Gemini (The Twins) Constellation
Gemini (pronounced ˈdʒɛmɪnaɪ) is the Latin name of a constellation situated close to the celestial equator. As such, it is at least partly visible from both hemispheres in certain times of the year.
In English language this constellation is also known as "The Twins" while in astronomical texts and literature this constellation is often abbreviated as "Gem" (according to the standard of the International Astronomical Union - IAU) or as "Gemi" (according to a naming convention used by NASA).
The Latin genitive of the constellation name is "Geminorum" (pronounced ˌdʒɛmɪˈnɒrəm) and it is used to identify some of the brightest stars in this constellation based on the Bayer or Flamsteed star naming convention. For instance: α Geminorum (the brightest star of Gemini based on the Bayer catalog); or 23 Geminorum (the 23th star in the constellation of Gemini based on the Flamsteed catalog).
Sky Chart of Gemini Constellation
Here we provide a simplified sky chart of the Gemini constellation. Alternatively it is possible to locate Gemini in the night sky using our Online Interactive Planetarium.
Visibility of Gemini Constellation
Location: Greenwich, United Kingdom
Latitude: 51° 28’ 47” N
Longitude: 0° 00’ 00” E
Timezone: Europe/London
Today's Gemini rise, transit and set times from Greenwich, United Kingdom are the following (all times relative to the local timezone Europe/London):
The rise and set times provided here are just directional indications and they refer to a point approximately placed at the center of the constellation. In case of very large constellations these times can have little relevance.
Bright Stars in Gemini Constellation
The table below lists the top 20 brightest stars in the Gemini constellation. See also the complete list of 123 stars brighter than magnitude 6.5 (approximate) in the constellation of Gemini. Click on each star to see more details about it.
| HR Number(*) | Star designation | Proper name | Visual magnitude | Color | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
HR2990 | β Geminorum | Pollux | 1.14 | ⬤ | Variable; Multiple; |
|
HR2421 | γ Geminorum | Alhena | 1.93 | ⬤ | Multiple; |
|
HR2891 | α Geminorum | Castor | 1.98 | ⬤ | Variable; Multiple; |
|
HR2890 | α Geminorum | 2.88 | ⬤ | Multiple; | |
|
HR2286 | μ Geminorum | Tejat | 2.88 | ⬤ | Variable; Multiple; |
|
HR2473 | ε Geminorum | Mebsuta | 2.98 | ⬤ | Variable; Double; |
|
HR2216 | η Geminorum | Propus | 3.28 | ⬤ | Variable; Multiple; |
|
HR2484 | ξ Geminorum | Alzirr | 3.36 | ⬤ | Variable; |
|
HR2777 | δ Geminorum | Wasat | 3.53 | ⬤ | Multiple; |
|
HR2985 | κ Geminorum | 3.57 | ⬤ | Double; | |
|
HR2763 | λ Geminorum | 3.58 | ⬤ | Variable; Multiple; | |
|
HR2540 | θ Geminorum | 3.6 | ⬤ | Multiple; | |
|
HR2650 | ζ Geminorum | Mekbuda | 3.79 | ⬤ | Variable; Multiple; |
|
HR2821 | ι Geminorum | 3.79 | ⬤ | ||
|
HR2905 | υ Geminorum | 4.06 | ⬤ | Variable; Double; | |
|
HR2343 | ν Geminorum | 4.15 | ⬤ | Multiple; | |
|
HR2134 | 1 Geminorum | 4.16 | ⬤ | Variable; Multiple; | |
|
HR2852 | ρ Geminorum | 4.18 | ⬤ | Multiple; | |
|
HR2973 | σ Geminorum | 4.28 | ⬤ | Variable; Double; | |
|
HR2697 | τ Geminorum | 4.41 | ⬤ | Variable; Multiple; | |
| ...go to the complete list of 123 bright stars in the constellation of Gemini | ||||||
(*) HR stands for Harvard Revised Bright Star Catalogue, which is also known as the Yale Catalogue of Bright Stars.
Deep Sky Objects in Gemini Constellation
The table below lists the 20 brightest deep sky objects in the Gemini constellation. See also the complete list of 106 deep sky objects in the constellation of Gemini. The list includes objects from the Messier, New General Catalogue (NGC) and Index Catalogue (IC).
