Name a star
Virgo (Virgin)
Virgo is the second largest constellation in the sky. Only Sea Serpent is larger. According to one common interpretation it symbolizes Astraea, the roman goddess of justice, holding up the scales of justice (Scales, which is a neighboring constellation). Other interpretations see the greek goddes of grain and fertility. Astraea is then often depicted with a grain spike, symbolized by the star Spica (α Virginis). Spica is the brightest star in the constellation, and it is the 15th brightest star in the night sky. Its distance from earth is about 260 light years. It is a variable star that slightly changes its brightness with a period of 4 days.
Virgo contains a large galaxy cluster: the Virgo Cluster. The Virgo Cluster is at a distance of about 59 million light years from earth, and it contains at least 1300 galaxies. Several dozen of these galaxies can be seen in a telescope with an aperture of 6 inches or more.
Virgo contains a large galaxy cluster: the Virgo Cluster. The Virgo Cluster is at a distance of about 59 million light years from earth, and it contains at least 1300 galaxies. Several dozen of these galaxies can be seen in a telescope with an aperture of 6 inches or more.
This constellation belongs to the zodiac. Its time of the year is between August 23 and September 23.
It's brightest star is Spica (α Virginis).
Neighboring constellations are Leo, Crater, Corvus, Hydra, Libra, Serpens, Bootes, and Coma Berenices.
Have a look at our full list of all constellations.
