View larger. Chart showing the sun’s movement through the constellations, as defined by astronomers. You can see that the sun won’t enter Gemini until around June 21. Chart via Guy Ottewell’s blog.
Have you ever wondered why there is a difference between astrological signs and constellations? On May 21, 2022, at 1 UTC, the sun officially entered the astrological sign of Gemini. However, in reality, the sun won't cross into the constellation Gemini until a month later, on June 21, 2022.
Here is a star chart at the precise time the sun enters the astrological sign of Gemini on May 21, 2022, at 1 UTC. As you can see, the sun - shown here as the bright yellow star-like object - is actually astronomically in the constellation of Taurus rather than Gemini. Chart via Heavens-above.com.
The distinction between astrological signs and constellations stems from the historical evolution of these systems. The signs of Aries, Taurus, and so on, still used in astrology, are 30-degree-wide bands along the ecliptic, starting at longitude 0 degrees, also known as the First Point of Aries. On the other hand, the constellations are specific areas of the starry sky, defined by astronomers since 1930 with lines and boundaries. Over 2,000 years ago, when the system of astrological signs was defined, these two systems coincided. However, due to precession (the wobbling of Earth's spin axis over a cycle of 25,800 years), they have gradually diverged.
To better understand this concept, let's consider the sun's path through the sky. The chart above illustrates the sun's trajectory from March 20, 2020 (the spring equinox), to May 20, 2020. You can observe that the sun does reach longitude 60 degrees on the ecliptic. However, this position places it at the beginning of the constellation Taurus, not Gemini. It will take another month of travel, or 30 degrees, for the sun to enter Gemini.
While the stars and constellations remain fixed, what changes over time is the celestial equator and the mapping system based on it. Visualize mentally shifting the sun's track and the celestial equator 30 degrees to the left (east), while everything else remains in place. In this projection, the crossing-point of the equator and ecliptic, which serves as the zero point for longitude, is now at longitude 30 degrees, marking the beginning of Aries. This mental exercise allows us to see the sun at the First Point of Aries in March and arriving at the gates of Gemini in May.
This alignment was accurate when the system of signs was established around 2,000 years ago. Although it may require some imagination, you can still observe it in the night sky or on the chart above.
There is the sun (below the horizon) at its May 20, 2020, position where it enters the astrological sign of Gemini. If this were 150 BCE, it would be 30 degrees on, at what is now longitude 90 degrees - the solstice point of our time, by the feet of Gemini.
In conclusion, when the sun astrologically enters the "sign" of Gemini, it is still almost a month away from entering the constellation Gemini in the sky. The evolving nature of these systems highlights the subtle nuances between astrology and astronomy.
To stay updated on the sun's current constellation and astrological sign, you can refer to the following resources:
- Check here to see what constellation the sun is in today.
- Check here to see where the sun is today in its astrological sign.
Understanding the distinction between constellations and astrological signs can deepen your appreciation for the wonders of the cosmos. So, the next time you gaze at the night sky, remember the intricate relationship between these two systems and marvel at the celestial dance above us.
