Let's Find the Constellation Gemini and the Planet Saturn

Gemini (Jem-in-eye) is the constellation known in mythology as the Twins. The twins are Castor and Pollux, Gemini's two brightest stars. On star charts, Castor and Pollux represent the twins' heads. Since Pollux is a bit brighter than Castor, it seems they are not identical twins. Some experts think that they were of equal brightness in the distant past, and then one became brighter or the other became dimmer.

The planet Saturn is now located in Gemini. It remains in Gemini during early evening until both the constellation and the planet fade from our early evening view due to the lengthening daylight hours of spring. When Saturn returns to our early evening sky late in December, it will be in the neighboring constellation of Cancer.

Unless noted otherwise, these instructions are for 7:30 PM. Previous articles were based on 7:00 PM.

Gemini is not a bright constellation. It might be difficult to locate if not for its neighbor, Orion. Last time, we found Orion just above the horizon in the southeast. It is a little higher in the sky now, but still in the southeast. Remember that as the month goes on, Orion will be higher in the southern sky. Gemini is easterly of Orion. Early in the evening and early in the month, Orion appears to be laying somewhat sideways when you look to the southeast. Draw an imaginary line from Rigel through Betelgeuse and you will find yourself in the middle of Gemini. Click here to see the chart. (It will open in a new window.) You will see that this imaginary line enters Gemini feet first. Castor and Pollux are the two brighter stars. Later in the month or later in the evening, when Orion is in the south, he appears to be standing up straighter. You have to tilt you head back farther to draw the imaginary line from Orion to Gemini.

Don't worry if you are having problems locating Gemini and Saturn. The moon and Pollux will point the way for you on February 19th and 20th. On the 19th, the Moon appears above Saturn while Pollux appears to Saturn's left so that the three form a triangle. On the 20th, the moon appears to the left of Saturn while Pollux is located above both of them so that the three again form a triangle. After the moon moves on, it will be easier to find Saturn and Gemini!

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