Gemini constellation
Gemini is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the twins. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 6 January, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 56°S.
When to see Gemini
Gemini is highest in the sky at midnight around 6 January and at 9 pm around 20 February. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.
The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| 15 January | 11:20 pm |
| 15 February | 9:20 pm |
| 15 March | 7:30 pm |
| 15 April | 5:30 pm |
| 15 May | 3:30 pm |
| 15 June | 1:30 pm |
| 15 July | 11:30 am |
| 15 August | 9:30 am |
| 15 September | 7:20 am |
| 15 October | 5:30 am |
| 15 November | 3:20 am |
| 15 December | 1:30 am |
Where to look for Gemini
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Gemini rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 6 January, 74° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Gemini rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 6 January, 31° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Gemini
Meteor showers from Gemini
The meteors of these showers seem to come from a point in Gemini, called the radiant.
| Shower | Peak | Zenithal hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Geminids | Around 14 December | 150 |
Gemini in myth and history
The twins are Castor and Pollux of Greek myth. When Castor died, Pollux, who was immortal, asked Zeus to let him share his life with his brother, and Zeus placed the two together in the sky.
Gemini is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Gemini and the zodiac
In 2026, the Sun is in front of the stars of Gemini from 22 June to 21 July. The zodiac sign Gemini covers other dates, because astrologers split the year into 12 equal signs that start at the March equinox.
Constellations next to Gemini
Find Gemini in your sky
Questions about Gemini
Gemini is highest in the sky at midnight around 6 January and at 9 pm around 20 February. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Gemini rises above the horizon from 90°N to 56°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 77°S.
Pollux is the brightest star in Gemini, at magnitude 1.16.
Gemini represents the twins. Gemini is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Yes. The Sun is in front of Gemini from 22 June to 21 July in 2026, and the zodiac sign Gemini is named after it.