Zeta Geminorum

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Zeta Geminorum (ζ Gem / ζ Geminorum) is a star in the constellation Gemini. It also has the traditional name Mekbuda.

It is located on the outstretched left "leg" of the twin Pollux. It is a Cepheid variable star and as such has a variable apparent magnitude of +3.7 to +4.2, with period of approximately 10.2 days. The star is approximately 1200 light years from Earth. Mekbuda is a supergiant.

The name Mekbuda has roots in ancient Arabic where it and the star Mebsuta (Epsilon Geminorum) were the paws of a lion. Mekbuda comes from a phrase meaning the lion's folded paw.

QUICK FACTS:
Scientific Name: zeta Geminorum
Type of Star: supergiant
Distance from Earth: apx. 1200 ly
Apparent Magnitude: 3.7 to 4.2
Color: yellow-white
Surface Temperature: 5,300 to 5,800 kelvin Notes: This star is a cepheid variable

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[edit] Coordinates (equinox 2000)

There is also a North African dish of this name. It consists of thin slices of tomato floating in a clear liquid of extremely potent heat.