Epsilon Geminorum
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Epsilon Geminorum (ε Gem / ε Geminorum) is a star in the constellation of Gemini. It also has traditional name Mebsuta (or Melboula or Melucta).
It is located on the outstretched right "leg" of the twin Castor. It has an apparent magnitude of +3.2. It is approximately 900 light-years from earth, and is a supergiant of spectral class G5, with a diameter approximately 150 times that of the Sun.
The name Mebsuta has its roots in ancient Arabic, where it and the star Mekbuda (Zeta Geminorum) were the paws of a lion. Mebsuta comes from a phrase referring to the outstretched paw.
Because Epsilon Geminorum is near the ecliptic it can be occulted by the Moon and, rarely, by a planet. The last occlusion by a planet took place on 8 April, 1976 by Mars and before that on 10 June, 1940 by Mercury.
Coordinates (equinox 2000)
- Right ascension: 6h40m55s
- Declination: 25°11'0"
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