Virgo (constellation)
Virgo is one of the constellations of the zodiac. Its name is Latin for maiden, and its old astronomical symbol is . Between Leo to the west and Libra to the east, it is the second-largest constellation in the sky (after Hydra) and the largest constellation in the zodiac. The ecliptic intersects the celestial equator within this constellation and Pisces. Underlying these technical two definitions, the sun passes directly overhead of the equator, within this constellation, at the September equinox. Virgo can be easily found through its brightest star, Spica.
| Constellation | |
| Abbreviation | Vir |
|---|---|
| Genitive | Virginis |
| Pronunciation |
|
| Symbolism | the Maiden |
| Right ascension | 13h |
| Declination | −4° |
| Quadrant | SQ3 |
| Area | 1294 sq. deg. (2nd) |
| Main stars | 9, 15 |
| Bayer/Flamsteed stars | 96 |
| Stars with planets | 29 |
| Stars brighter than 3.00m | 3 |
| Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly) | 10 |
| Brightest star | Spica (α Vir) (0.98m) |
| Messier objects | 11 |
| Meteor showers |
|
| Bordering constellations | |
| Visible at latitudes between +80° and −80°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of May. | |
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.