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How to View Gemini

Gemini is one of the easiest zodiac constellations to find. Its twin stars stand out against the sky making it easy to spot. Once you find the twin stars, the rest of the constellation falls into place. Those born in late May or June find themselves with the sign Gemini. However, it's best to bundle up and head out for a look at the constellation in February.

Things You'll Need

Binoculars

Instructions

- 1
  Print a free star chart. Fortunately, this constellation really does look like twins. The two brightest stars form the heads of two stick figures that appear to be holding hands. They even have up side down V-shaped legs.
- 2
  Locate Castor and Pollux. These two bright stars form the twins' heads. Both of them make the list of the top 20 brightest stars in the entire sky. Castor comes in at 20 and Pollux at 16.
- 3
  Find Alhena. This star makes the foot of the twin Pollux and is located closest to Castor. It makes a great reference point when searching for entire Gemini constellation.
- 4
  Use your chart and your imagination to fill in the lines between all of the other stars. You can now clearly see two large stick figures in the sky.
- 5
  Locate Messier object 35. This is an open cluster that hides near the foot of the twin Castor. Use your binoculars to see it.
- 6
  Search for the star Propus. It makes the foot of Castor, furthest from Pollux. The foot appears to be stepping forward. The constellation line is drawn at a downward angle from the star next to Propus. The line continues out to one more star that can be thought of as long toes.
- 7
  Aim your binoculars at the area right above the toes. If you picture the twins standing on the ground, M-35 is located just above ground level. Think of it as a soccer ball being kicked by Pollux as his foot comes underneath it.

Astronomy