ZETA GEMINORUM

'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

Contents

Coordinates (equinox 2000)

Coordinates (equinox 2000)

★ Right ascension: 7h 4.108m

★ Declination: 20° 34.217'0"
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.