Constellation · Gem
Gemini
The Twins
A zodiac constellation marked by the bright 'twin' stars Castor and Pollux. The Geminid meteor shower, active in December, appears to radiate from it.
Magnitude 1.16
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (winter in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Named stars in Gemini
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Pollux (Beta Geminorum)mag 1.16
- Castor (Alpha Geminorum)mag 1.58
- Alhena (Gamma Geminorum)mag 1.93
- Tejat (Mu Geminorum)mag 2.87
- Mebsuta (Epsilon Geminorum)mag 3.06
- Propus (Eta Geminorum)mag 3.31
Can you see Gemini from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Gemini |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
Questions about Gemini
When is Gemini best seen?
Gemini stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in February. That makes winter evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Gemini?
The brightest star in Gemini is Pollux (Beta Geminorum), magnitude 1.16.
Where on Earth can you see Gemini?
The whole of Gemini can be seen from latitudes between about 55°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Gemini mean?
Gemini is Latin for "the Twins". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).