Constellation · best in February evenings

Gemini

The Twins · Genitive Geminorum · Gem

Above the horizon after darkHighest after dark 05:17 · southeast · 54°

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Where is Gemini?

Times for LondonChange city

Look southeast, about 54° up at 05:17. It rises at 22:55 and climbs through the night.

Rises: 22:55
Highest: 07:08
Sets: 15:25
Best after dark: 05:17 · 54°

How to find Gemini

Start with Pollux, Gemini’s brightest star (mag 1.1). Nearby constellations include Auriga and Monoceros.

Its center is at right ascension 7h 06m, declination +23°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Pollux

Best time to see Gemini

Gemini is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in February. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 90° N to 52° S.

From London tonight, Gemini is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest just before dawn, around 05:17, in the southeast at 54°.

This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.

Seeing Gemini

Eyes

Its brightest star, Pollux, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.

Binoculars

Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.

Telescope

The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.

What you’re likely to see, not what a space telescope photographs. General guidance from catalog brightness and size, not a forecast for tonight.

About

Gemini (genitive Geminorum, abbreviated Gem) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Pollux, magnitude 1.1.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 4 named stars and 1 deep-sky object in Gemini.

Brightest stars and objects in Gemini

Questions

What is the brightest star in Gemini?

Pollux, at magnitude 1.1.

When is Gemini visible?

Gemini is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in February. In the months either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night.

Can I see Gemini from where I live?

All of Gemini rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 90° N to 52° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

Star in itPollux Star in itCastor Star in itAlhena Another constellationAndromeda Another constellationAntlia GuideStargazing for beginners

Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences