The constellation of Gemini, or the Twins, is named after two famous half-twins in Greek mythology: Castor and Pollux. According to the myth, Pollux was immortal and Castor was mortal. When Castor died, Zeus divided the immortality between the twins, and they became part of the constellation of Gemini. You can see Gemini most easily during winter evenings before midnight in the northern hemisphere, but you can easily locate it at any time of the year when Orion is visible.
- Compass
- Binoculars or telescope
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Instructions
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1
Face south after the sky has darkened. Search for a diagonal line of three bright stars situated close together. This is Orion's Belt.
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2
Look down and to the right from Orion's Belt. You should see Rigel, a bright bluish-white star that represents Orion's left foot.
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3
Trace the line up and to the left from Rigel to intercept a red star, Betelgeuse.
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4
Follow the line until you reach Gemini, visible as a set of two stars. Castor is the right-hand star.