Virgo

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Virgo (the virgin) is a constellation of the zodiac. Lying between Leo to the west and the Libra to the east, it is one of the largest constellations in the sky. It can be easily found through its bright α star, Spica.

Virgo
larger map
Abbreviation	Vir
Genitive	Virginis
Meaning in English	the Virgin
Right ascension	13 h
Declination	0°
Visible to latitude	Between 80° and −80°
Best visible	May
Area - Total	Ranked 2nd 1294 sq. deg.
Number of stars with apparent magnitude < 3	3
Brightest star - Apparent magnitude	Spica (α Vir) 1.0
Meteor showers	Virginids Mu Virginids
Bordering constellations	Boötes Coma Berenices Leo Crater Corvus Libra Serpens Caput

Table of contents

1 Notable features

2 Notable deep sky objects

3 Mythology

3.1 Astrology

Notable features

The most prominent star in Virgo is Spica (α Vir), which represents an ear of wheat in the goddess's hand. Spica makes it easy to locate Virgo, as it can be found by following the curve of the Big Dipper to Arcturus in Boötes and continuing from there in the same curve ("follow the arc to Arcturus and speed on to Spica").

Other bright stars in Virgo include Zavijah (β Vir), Porrima (γ Vir), Auva (δ Vir) and Vindemiatrix (ε Vir). Other fainter stars which were also given a name are Heze (ζ Vir), Zaniah (η Vir), Syrma (ι Vir) and Rijl al Awwa (μ Vir).

The star 70 Virginis is an extrasolar planetary system with one confirmed planet 6.6 times the mass of Jupiter.

Notable deep sky objects

Because of the presence of a galaxy cluster (consequently called the Virgo cluster) within its borders 5° to 10° west of Vindemiatrix (ε Vir), this constellation is especially rich in galaxies.

Some examples are M49 (elliptical), M58 (spiral), M59 (elliptical), M60 (elliptical), M61 (spiral), M84 (elliptical), M86 (elliptical), M87 (elliptical and a famous radiosource), and M90 (spiral). A noted galaxy that is not part of the cluster is M104, an elliptical galaxy also called the Sombrero Galaxy. It is located about 10° due west of Spica.

Mythology

Who exactly Virgo is supposed to represent is uncertain; in history, it has been associated with nearly every prominent goddess, including Ishtar, Isis, Demeter, Cybele, Athena, and so forth.

According to one version, the constellation depicts Astraea, the virgin daughter of the god Zeus and the goddess Themis. Astraea was known as the goddess of justice, hence the scales of justice Libra nearby, and supposedly ruled the world at one point with her wise ways until mankind became so callous that she returned to skies in disgust. Persephone is often mentioned as well, Virgo being visible mainly in the spring months when she was believed to have risen from the underworld.

Astrology

The astrological sign Virgo (August 23 - September 22) is associated with the constellation. In some cosmologies, Virgo is associated with the classical element Earth, and thus called an Earth Sign (with Taurus and Capricorn). Its polar opposite is Pisces.

Constellations of the zodiac : Aries -- Taurus -- Gemini -- Cancer -- Leo -- Virgo -- Libra -- Scorpius -- (Ophiuchus) -- Sagittarius -- Capricornus -- Aquarius -- Pisces

Llewellyn's Astrological 2004 Calendar	Llewellyn's Astrological Planner 2004 Calendar	Holy Blood, Holy Grail	The Templar Revelation: Secret Guardians of the True Identity of Christ
How to Read Your Astrological Chart: Aspects of the Cosmic Puzzle	Feng Shui Step by Step : Arranging Your Home for Health and Happiness--with Personalized Astrological Charts	Planets in Synastry: Astrological Patterns of Relationships (The Planet Series)	2004 Astrological Appointment Book (Jan-Jun)
Chiron and the Healing Journey: An Astrological and Psychological Perspective

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgo

◄◄ Jump More→ 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12|13|Astrological Links|More Guides Everything Astrology Astrological Directory

This custom Guide To The Internet produced by Siql. Visit us today, and find out how to get your own custom guide to the Internet, and how to get your site listed in our guides.