Virgo Notable Features Notable Deep Sky Objects Mythology

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.

1 Notable features

The most prominent starFor alternate meanings see star (disambiguation Hubble Space Telescope of the Sagittarius Star Cloud in the Milky Way Galaxy. A star is any massive gaseous celestial body in outer space. Stars appear as shining points in the nighttime sky that twinkle bec 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.

2 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.

3 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.

3.1 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.

Astronomy | Constellations of the Zodiac | Astrology

Aries (♈) Taurus (♉) Gemini (♊) Cancer (♋) Leo (♌) Virgo (♍) Libra (♎) Scorpius/Scorpio (♏) Ophiuchus Sagittarius (♐) Capricornus/Capricorn (♑) Aquarius () Pisces ()

Constellations Virgo constellation Astrological signs

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Virgo

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 showerFrom earliest times, humankind has noticed flurries of meteors that seemed to emanate from particular points in the sky at particular times of the year. These flurries, now called meteor showers are produced by small fragments of cosmic debris entering ths	Virginids Mu Virginids
Bordering constellations	BoötesBootes Abbreviation Boo Genitive Bootis Meaning in English the Herdsman Right ascension 15 h Declination 30° Visible to latitude Between 90° and −50° Best visible June Area Total Ranked 13th907 sq. Number of stars with apparent magnitude 3 Brightest Coma BerenicesComa Berenices Abbreviation Com Genitive Comae Berenices Meaning in English Berenice's Hair Right ascension 12. 76 h Declination 21. 83° Visible to latitude Between 90° and -16° On meridian 9 p. May 15 Area Total Ranked 42nd386 sq. Number of stars with ap Leo CraterCrater (the cup) is one of the 88 modern constellations and was also one of the 48 listed by Ptolemy. It is said to represent the goblet of Apollo. It has no star brighter than fourth magnitude. Constellations. CorvusCorvus Pronunciation KOR vus Abbreviation Crv Genitive Corvi Pronunciation KOR vee Meaning in English the Crow Right ascension 12 h Declination 20° Visible to latitude Between 60° and -90° On meridian 21:00 May 10 Area Total Ranked 70th 184 sq. Stars with Libra Serpens CaputSerpens Serpens Caput Serpens Cauda Abbreviation Ser Ser1Ser2 Genitive Serpentis Meaning in English the Snake the Snake's Headthe Snake's Tail Right ascension 15. 3 h Declination 10°−5° Visible to latitude Between 80° and −80° Best visible Jun

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