CASTOR

, a moiety of the constellation Gemini; called also Apollo. Also a star in this constellation, whose latitude, for the year 1700, according to Hevelius, was 10° 4′ 20″ north; and its longitude 16° 4′ 14″.

CASTOR and Pollux. See Gemini.

CASTOR and Pollux, in Meteorology, is a fiery meteor, which at sea appears sometimes adhering to a part of the ship, in the form of a ball, or even several balls. When one is seen alone, it is properly called Helena; but two are called Castor and Pollux, and sometimes Tyndaridæ.

By the Spaniards, Castor and Pollux are called San Elmo; by the French, St. Elme, St. Nicholas, St. Clare, St. Helene; by the Italians, Hermo; and by the Dutch, Vree Vuuren.

The meteor Castor and Pollux, it is commonly thought, denotes a cessation of the storm, and a future calm; as it is rarely seen till the tempest is nigh spent. But Helena alone portends ill weather, and denotes the severest part of the storm yet behind.

When the metcor adheres to the masts, yards, &c, it is concluded, from the air not having motion enough to dissipate this flame, that a profound calm is at hand; but if it flutter about, that it denotes a storm.