Star profile

51 Geminorum

Variable star

3D likeness based on its real data · class K · ~4,200 K

What is 51 Geminorum

51 Geminorum is a variable orange K-type giant kindled some 541 light-years away on the eastern flank of the Twins. Its brightness shifts gently, that slow pulse typical of swollen suns that have left behind the calm burning of hydrogen. The light we see tonight set out deep in the fifteenth century, as Gutenberg's press began to multiply knowledge: five centuries of travel to arrive as an amber heartbeat in our telescopes.

Where it is and when to see it

51 Geminorum lies in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is January, when it culminates around midnight.

From London it culminates about 55° above the horizon.
From New York it culminates about 65° above the horizon.
From Sydney it culminates about 40° above the horizon.

It can be seen from anywhere north of 74° S.

It ranks no. 30 in brightness among the 74 stars of Gemini in our catalogue. To find it, start from Pollux, the brightest: it lies about 14° away (a fist at arm's length covers about 10°).

The light you see today left it about 540 years ago.

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Astronomical data for 51 Geminorum

Constellation: Gemini
Apparent magnitude: 5.07
Distance: 541.0 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 108.343° · Dec 16.159°
Catalogue: HIP 34909 · HD 55383

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Other stars in Gemini

Gemini has 74 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.

See all 74 stars in Gemini