Virgo
This article is about the constellation and astrological sign Virgo. For VIRGO, the French-Italian project in physics analogous to LIGO, see VIRGO (physics).
Virgo (the virgin) is a constellation of the zodiac. Lying between Leo to the west and the Libra to the east, it is one of the largest constellations in the sky. It can be easily found through its bright α star, Spica.
| Virgo | |
 larger map | |
| Abbreviation | Vir |
| Genitive | Virginis |
| Meaning in English | the Virgin |
| Right ascension | 13 h |
| Declination | 0° |
| Visible to latitude | Between 80° and −80° |
| Best visible | May |
| Area - Total | Ranked 2nd 1294 sq. deg. |
| Number of stars with apparent magnitude < 3 | 3 |
| Brightest star - Apparent magnitude | Spica (α Vir) 1.0 |
| Meteor showers |
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| Bordering constellations | |
Notable features
The most prominent star in Virgo is Spica (α Vir), which represents an ear of wheat in the goddess's hand. Spica makes it easy to locate Virgo, as it can be found by following the curve of the Big Dipper to Arcturus in Boötes and continuing from there in the same curve ("follow the arc to Arcturus and speed on to Spica").
Other bright stars in Virgo include Zavijah (β Vir), Porrima (γ Vir), Auva (δ Vir) and Vindemiatrix (ε Vir). Other fainter stars which were also given a name are Heze (ζ Vir), Zaniah (η Vir), Syrma (ι Vir) and Rijl al Awwa (μ Vir).
The star 70 Virginis is an extrasolar planetary system with one confirmed planet 6.6 times the mass of Jupiter.
Notable deep sky objects
Because of the presence of a galaxy cluster (consequently called the Virgo cluster) within its borders 5° to 10° west of Vindemiatrix (ε Vir), this constellation is especially rich in galaxies.
Some examples are M49 (elliptical), M58 (spiral), M59 (elliptical), M60 (elliptical), M61 (spiral), M84 (elliptical), M86 (elliptical), M87 (elliptical and a famous radiosource), and M90 (spiral). A noted galaxy that is not part of the cluster is M104, an elliptical galaxy also called the Sombrero Galaxy. It is located about 10° due west of Spica.
Mythology
Who exactly Virgo is supposed to represent is uncertain; in history, it has been associated with nearly every prominent goddess, including Ishtar, Isis, Demeter, Cybele, and Athena.
According to one version, the constellation depicts Astraea, the virgin daughter of the god Zeus and the goddess Themis. Astraea was known as the goddess of justice, hence the scales of justice Libra nearby, and supposedly ruled the world at one point with her wise ways until mankind became so callous that she returned to skies in disgust. Persephone is often mentioned as well, Virgo being visible mainly in the spring months when she was believed to have risen from the underworld.
Astrology
The astrological sign Virgo (August 23 - September 22) is associated with the constellation. In some cosmologies, Virgo is associated with the classical element Earth, and thus called an Earth Sign (with Taurus and Capricorn). It is also one of the mutable signs (along with Gemini, Sagittarius, and Pisces). Its ruling planet is Mercury. Its polar opposite is Pisces. Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the body, viewed as the seat of its power. Virgo rules the intestines. The symbol for Virgo is the virgin. Virgo qualities include an ability to organize, attention to cleanliness, extreme restlessness, selflessness, a desire for service, and an ability to get things done.
ca:Virgo
de:Jungfrau (Sternbild)
es:Virgo
eo:Virgulino
fr:Vierge (constellation)
it:Vergine (astronomia)
nl:Virgo
ja:おとめ座
pl:Panna (gwiazdozbiór)
pt:Virgo
sv:Jungfrun
zh:室女座