Virgo (constellation)

Virgo

Constellation
List of stars in Virgo
Abbreviation	Vir
Genitive	Virginis
Pronunciation	/ˈvɜːrɡoʊ/, genitive /ˈvɜːrdʒns/
Symbolism	the Virgin
Right ascension	13
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	Virginids Mu Virginids
Bordering constellations	Boötes Coma Berenices Leo Crater Corvus Hydra Libra Serpens Caput
Visible at latitudes between +80° and −80°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of May.

Virgo constellation

Virgo is a zodiac constellation which lies on the celestial equator. It is between Leo (at west) and Libra (at east) and this one of the biggest constellations you can see on the sky. Legends say Virgo is Astraea.

What you can see there

Virgo's most briliant and important star is Spica (α Virginis). This star helps to see Virgo. Other important stars are Zavijava (β Virginis), Porrima (ν Virginis) or Auva, also called Minelava.

Deep-sky notable objects

Because there is a galaxy cluster (the Virgo cluster) within its borders, this constellation is especially rich in galaxies.

• Messier 87, one of the biggest eliptic galaxies discovered, with a supermassive black hole
• NGC 4526, with NGC 4984. They are lenticular galaxies
• Eliptical galaxies M59 and M60. M60 has a partner to the north (NGC 4647)
• Quasar 3C 273, very difficult to see