WUWM 89.7 FM | By Audrey Nowakowski,
PublishedAugust 31, 2022 at 1:30 PM CDT
Do you know your zodiac sign, and would you know how to find it in the night sky? To help us learn about the astronomy and mythology behind the zodiac, UW-Milwaukee’s Manfred Olson Planetarium has been hosting a new series of events. This month, they are highlighting Virgo.
The easiest way to find Virgo is to look for the star Arcturus in the west, according to planetarium director Jean Creighton.
"Arcturus is so bright, it has a reddish hue to it, and you know you've got it because you use the nemonic 'arc to Arcturus,'" she explains. If you find the Big Dipper in the sky and follow the arc of its tail, you hit Arcturus and if you keep going in the direction it will lead you to the brightest star of Virgo: Spica. "So the magic phrase is arc to Arcturus and spy Spica," says Creighton.
Virgo is the name for Persephone, who was the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. Pluto, the god of the underworld, kidnapped Persephone and took her away to the underworld. Demeter was desperate to find her daughter and stopped caring about the crops in her daughter's absence, causing great distress for the humans. The Greek god Zeus was torn between his sister Demeter and his brother Pluto, so he decided that Persephone would spend half the year with her husband Pluto and half the year with her mother Demeter.
"[This] is how ancient Greeks explained the seasons. When Persephone, or Virgo if you will, is in the sky then the weather is good and things are growing," Creighton notes, "and when Virgo is up when we can't see her, then the growing season has come to an end."
Most astronomers know Virgo for the galaxies housed within it, says Creighton, but Virgo is also notable because the first exoplanet was discovered within it 30 years ago.
"This was the very first exoplanet we found, and subsequently we've found over 5,000 — and the pace has really picked up within the last decade," she notes. "The first few exoplanets were once, a couple a year, and now there are probably a couple a day? So, it seems an appropriate object to find in Virgo since Virgo is associated with growing things."
The Manfred Olson Planetarium at UW-Milwaukee's live, interactive show, Constellations of the Zodiac: Virgo, takes place Friday evening. There’s also a free outdoor Stars and S’mores event to gaze at summer constellations on Thursday. You can find more information about both events here.
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Greetings, stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts! I'm here to dive deep into the celestial wonders discussed in the article from WUWM 89.7 FM, showcasing my expertise in the realms of astronomy and mythology. I'll guide you through the cosmic dance of Virgo and the captivating narratives woven into the fabric of the night sky.
The article, authored by Audrey Nowakowski and featuring insights from Jean Creighton, the director of UW-Milwaukee’s Manfred Olson Planetarium, unveils a fascinating blend of astronomy and mythology surrounding the zodiac sign Virgo. Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed:
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Locating Virgo in the Night Sky: To find Virgo, the article suggests starting with the star Arcturus in the west. Jean Creighton recommends using the phrase "arc to Arcturus" as a memory aid. By following the arc of the Big Dipper's tail, you'll encounter Arcturus, and if you continue in that direction, you'll arrive at the brightest star of Virgo: Spica. This practical guide provides a simple way for sky gazers to locate Virgo during their celestial explorations.
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Mythological Background of Virgo: Virgo is associated with Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. The myth unfolds as Pluto, the god of the underworld, kidnaps Persephone, leading to a seasonal cycle. Zeus, torn between Demeter and Pluto, decides that Persephone will spend half the year with each—resulting in the changing seasons. This mythological narrative provides a rich cultural context for understanding the symbolism of Virgo.
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Astronomical Significance of Virgo: Jean Creighton highlights that Virgo is renowned among astronomers for the galaxies it houses. Additionally, it holds historical significance as the location where the first exoplanet was discovered 30 years ago. Virgo, associated with growth and fertility, seems fitting for the discovery of celestial bodies beyond our solar system. Creighton notes the exponential increase in exoplanet discoveries over the years, emphasizing the link between Virgo and the theme of "growing things."
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Upcoming Events at UW-Milwaukee's Manfred Olson Planetarium: The article mentions two events hosted by the Manfred Olson Planetarium: "Constellations of the Zodiac: Virgo," a live, interactive show, and a free outdoor event called "Stars and S’mores" for gazing at summer constellations. These events provide opportunities for the public to engage with and learn more about the wonders of the night sky.
In conclusion, the alignment of astronomy, mythology, and cultural symbolism within the realm of Virgo offers a captivating lens through which we can explore the mysteries of the cosmos. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or a curious novice, these celestial tales and events beckon you to gaze upward and marvel at the wonders above.
