Gemini By Larenz Williams The Story of Gemini
Gemini By Larenz Williams
The Story of Gemini • These were born from an egg after their mother, Leda, Queen of Sparta, had been seduced by Zeus, disguised as a swan. Although only half brothers, Castor, the mortal son of Leda's husband, King Tyndareus, and Polydeuces, immortal son of Zeus, were extremely close and together took part in many adventures. Sadly, on one of these Castor was killed. Polydeuces avenged Castor's murder, but was so overcome with grief that he begged to be allowed to be with his brother in the underworld. Zeus, knowing the strength of their feelings, and for once showing some compassion, granted this request. He placed the twins side by side in the heavens so that they could alternate their time together between Hades and the home of the gods.
Formation of Gemini
Specific stars in Gemini • The brightest star in the constellation is Pollux, Beta Geminorum, with an apparent magnitude of 1. 14. Also it’s a giant star and appears yellowishorange. 33 light years away. • Castor is the second brightest star in Gemini’s visual binary with a combined apparent magnitude of 1. 58. Can be seen with a slight blue tint. 49 light years away. • Gamma Geminorum is another bright star in Gemini. With an apparent visual magnitude of 1. 915. 109 light years away.
Things Around The Constellation • Neighboring constellations are Auriga, Cancer, Canis Minor, Lynx, Monoceros, Orion and Taurus. • There are two meteor showers associated with the constellation; the Geminids and the Rho Geminids. The Geminids are usually bright and peak around December 13 -14.
Resources • http: //www. constellationguide. com/constellation-list/geminiconstellation/
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