Iota Geminorum
| Observation data Epoch J2000.0 Equinox J2000.0 | |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Gemini |
| Right ascension | 7h 25m 43.6s |
| Declination | 27° 47' 53" |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 3.78 |
| Distance | 120 to 126 ly (26.9 to 38.7 pc) |
| Spectral type | G9III |
| Other designations | |
Iota Geminorum (ι Gem, ι Geminorum) is a Class G9, fourth-magnitude star in the constellation Gemini. It is called by the proper name Propus, meaning "forefoot" in Latin.
In Chinese, 五諸侯 (Wu Zhū Hóu), meaning Five Feudal Kings, refers to an asterism consisting of ι Geminorum, θ Geminorum, τ Geminorum, υ Geminorum and φ Geminorum.[1] Consequently, ι Geminorum itself is known as 五諸侯三 (Wu Zhū Hóu sān, English: the Third Star of Five Feudal Kings.).[2]
Structure
Iota Geminorum is a variable star located about 120-126 light-years from Earth. It forms an unequal pair with 59 Geminorum (app. mag. 5.77; Class F4III).
Mythology
In certain tribes along the shores of the Arabian sea that speak languages influenced heavily by Mesopotamia, Iota Geminorum appears in oral traditions as Saritcha. It symbolizes companionship, clearly influenced by either Greek or Babylonian mythology. In one of the Lurs epic, the princess promises her beloved eternal love and companionship under Saritcha's watchful and approving gaze.
Notes and references
- ↑ (Chinese) 中國星座神話, written by 陳久金. Published by 台灣書房出版有限公司, 2005, ISBN 978-986-7332-25-7.
- ↑ (Chinese) 香港太空館 - 研究資源 - 亮星中英對照表, Hong Kong Space Museum. Accessed on line November 23, 2010.
- "HD 58207 -- Variable Star". SIMBAD Astronomical Database. Retrieved 2006-12-09.