Gemini, << JEHM ihn y, >> also known as the Twins, is a constellation named for a pair of brothers in Greek mythology—Castor and Pollux (see Castor and Pollux ). Gemini sits between the constellations Cancer and Taurus in the night sky. Gemini was among the 48 constellations defined by the ancient Greek mathematician Ptolemy. Today, it is one of 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, the leading authority in the naming of heavenly objects. Gemini is also one of the 12 signs of the zodiac used in astrology (see Gemini [astrology]).
Gemini appears in the northern sky, and is best viewed around January through March. The sun passes through Gemini from late June to late July.
As commonly drawn, Gemini includes about 17 main stars. When connected, the stars form two conventional stick figures holding hands. Two bright stars, also named Castor and Pollux, represent the heads of the two brothers.
