Virgo Constellation: Facts about the Virgin (2024)

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Virgo is a congested constellation with dozens of known exoplanets and at least a dozen Messier objects. It is the largest constellation of the Zodiac and the second-largest constellation overall, behind Hydra.

Locating Virgo

Virgo covers 1,294 square degrees. Most of the constellation's stars are dim, but Virgo's bright blue-white star, Spica, is fairly easy to locate. Stargazers can use the Big Dipper as a guide. Follow the curve of the handle down to the southeast until you come to the bright star Arcturus, in the Boötes constellation. Continue the arc to the next bright star, which is Spica. There's even a mnemonic phrase to help you remember: "Follow the arc to Arcturus, then speed on to Spica."

Tied to fertility and agriculture, Virgo appears to stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere during the spring and summer months and to those in the Southern Hemisphere in autumn and winter.

  • Right Ascension: 13 hours
  • Declination: 0 degrees
  • Visible between latitudes 80 and minus 80 degrees
  • Best seen in May at 9 p.m.

Stars, exoplanets and deep-sky objects

Spica, also known as Alpha Virginis, is the brightest star in the constellation. Spica ranks as the 16th brightest star in the night sky and can be regarded as a nearly perfect example of a star of the first magnitude. It is a blue giant about 260 light-years from Earth. The star is about twice as big as the sun and its luminosity is 2,300 times that of the sun. It is known as the "ear of wheat" being held by Virgo.

The second brightest star is Gamma Virginis, also known as Porrima and Arich, is a binary star. The third-brightest star, Epsilon Virginis, is a yellow giant that is also known as Vindemiatrix, or the Grape Gatherer.

Zeta Virginis, or Heze, is a white dwarf notable for its exceptionally short rotation period of less than 0.5 days.

The Virgo Galaxy Cluster contains 11 deep space objects catalogued by Charles Messier, more than any constellation except Sagittarius, which has 15. [Video: Galactic Eyes Peer Out Through Virgo]

Notable exoplanets in Virgo include:

  • The first exoplanets ever found, around a pulsar star called PSR B1257+12. (The discovery was in 1994). A pulsar is a kind of neutron star, which is formed after a massive star explodes and collapses during a supernova. Pulsars are known for rotating extremely rapidly.
  • 70 Virginis b, which was also an early exoplanet find as it was announced in 1996. Scientists initially announced this planet was in the habitable zone of its star, where water could exist on the planet's surface. However, later analysis showed that this planet has an eccentric orbit and is likely much closer to the parent star.
  • Three planets orbiting the star 61 Virginis, and announced in 2009. At the time of discovery, the planets were classified as having five times the mass of Earth, six times and 18 times. (The smaller planets are considered "super-Earths" because they fall within the mass range between Earth and Neptune.)
  • The pink planet GJ 504b, which at the time of the announcement in 2013 was the smallest planet ever photographed around a sun-like star. However, the planet itself is still relatively large, at four times the mass of Jupiter.

Mythology

Virgo is typically linked to Dike, the Greek goddess of justice, and Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, the harvest goddess. According to Greek mythology, the earth experienced eternal spring until the god of the underworld abducted the spring maiden Persephone.

In astrology, which is not a science, Virgo is the fifth sign in the Zodiac and represents those born between Aug. 23 and Sept. 22.

Additional reporting by Elizabeth Howell, Space.com Contributor

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Space.com Contributor

Kim Ann Zimmermann is a contributor to Space.com and sister site Live Science, writing mainly evergreen reference articles that provide background on myriad scientific topics, like the constellations, astronauts, climate, culture and medicine. Her work can also be found at Business News Daily and KM World. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Glassboro State College.

Virgo Constellation: Facts about the Virgin (2024)

FAQs

Virgo Constellation: Facts about the Virgin? ›

Its name means “virgin” in Latin. The constellation is represented by the symbol ♍. Virgo is one of the 12 zodiac constellations, first catalogued by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. It contains Spica, one of the brightest stars in the night sky.

What are 3 fun facts about the Virgo constellation? ›

Spica is one of the brightest stars in the whole night sky. The constellation is also known for containing a large cluster of galaxies. One of these is known as the Sombrero Galaxy because it looks like a large hat. Since ancient times, Virgo has represented women or goddesses of virtue.

Why is Virgo called the Virgin? ›

“Virgin” originated from the Greek and Latin word “virgo,” or maiden. It was used often in Greek mythology to classify several goddesses, such as Artemis (also known as Diana) and Hestia. Artemis is the Greek virgin goddess of the moon and the hunt; she protects women in labor, small children and wild animals.

Who is the god of the Virgo? ›

Sci-Hub: Athena the Virgo. The temple in the Athens is dedicated to the city goddess - Athena. The temple is named Parthenon, just like the goddess: that means the Virgo or the virgin. Athens is a goddess of a righteous war, but also of knowledge and crafts.

What is unique about Virgo? ›

On the appearance, Virgos are humble, self-effacing, industrious, and practical, but under the surface, they are frequently natural, kind, and sympathetic, as befits their zodiac sign. Virgoans are methodical and quick thinkers, yet they have so much mental energy that they are frequently stressed and tense.

What is the myth behind Virgo? ›

Virgo in mythology

Virgo personifies Persephone, daughter of Demeter, the harvest goddess. According to a Greek myth, it once was always springtime on Earth. But then the god of the underworld, Hades, kidnapped Persephone. Demeter, overcome with grief, abandoned her role as an Earth goddess.

What's a Virgo spirit animal? ›

Brown bear

Brown bears are often seen as Virgo spirit animals because they embody the same traits associated with this sign. Brown bears demonstrate strength and courage, and their vigilant sense of safety proves that they prioritize protection and security.

Who should a Virgo marry? ›

High Virgo Compatibility: Scorpio, Capricorn, Taurus, Cancer. The list of star signs that can make a good match isn't short for Virgo. Because they're caring, they tend to be good partners for everyone. But there are a few signs they're most compatible with, which are Scorpio, Capricorn, Taurus, and Cancer.

What day is a Virgo born? ›

Those born between August 23 and September 22 can generally assume that their sun sign is Virgo.

Is Virgo a God or goddess? ›

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.

What Egyptian God is a Virgo? ›

Perhaps this is how Virgo became known as the Maiden of the Wheat Field, pictured with a sickle and sheaves of grain in her arms. Also for Egyptians she was associated with the goddess Isis, portrayed with wheat in her hand.

What are the 3 brightest stars in Virgo? ›

Besides Spica, other bright stars in Virgo include β Virginis (Zavijava), γ Virginis (Porrima), δ Virginis (Auva) and ε Virginis (Vindemiatrix).

What are Virgos facts for kids? ›

Virgo children like routines, are observant, notice small details, and tend to be neat freaks even at an early age. They are finicky about what they eat, their clothes, and even their friends. They want to be clean and neatly dressed, and if they have their own room, it will be clean, neat, and in perfect order.

What are the 3 types of Virgos? ›

There's three types of Virgo Suns: Virgos who have Mercury in Leo, Virgos who have Mercury in Libra, and Virgos who have Mercury in Virgo. Furthermore, Virgo with Virgo Mercury have Mercuries that are either in the morning phase, the evening phase, or combust.

How old is the Virgo constellation? ›

Virgo is usually associated with the Greek goddess Dike, who was the daughter of Zeus and Greek Titaness Themis. The constellation was first catalogued by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century.

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