Iota Geminorum

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. Consequently, ι Geminorum itself is known as 五諸侯三 (Wu Zhū Hóu sān, English: the Third Star of Five Feudal Kings.).

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.