Gemini Constellation
by Science Photo Library
Title
Gemini Constellation
Artist
Science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Gemini constellation. Optical image of Gemini, the Twins, is a zodiacal constellation on the ecliptic between Taurus and Cancer. Gemini is distinguished by the bright stars Castor and Pollux, the Twins (left). In Greek mythology, Castor was the mortal brother of Polydeuces (Pollux in Latin). Queen Leda was the mother of both, but Castor was fathered by her husband King Tyndarus, and Polydeuces was fathered by the god Zeus who had seduced Leda disguised as a swan. Both were also brothers to Helen of Troy. In legend, the mortal Castor was killed in a fight over a woman. Polydeuces implored his father Zeus to let them both reside together on Mount Olympus, so Zeus placed them both in the sky next to each other. In Roman legend, the constellation of Gemini is connected with Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers who founded Rome.
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October 1st, 2018
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