What it looks like
Virgo is the largest zodiac constellation and the second-largest constellation overall. It is drawn as a reclining maiden holding an ear of wheat, with Spica marking the grain. The constellation lies far from the Milky Way's plane, giving a clear view of distant galaxies.
Brightest stars
Virgo contains one first-magnitude star, Spica, which anchors the constellation and gives it its distinctive shape.
| Star | Magnitude | Distance | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spica (α Virginis) | +0.98 | 250 ly | Ear of Wheat |
| Porrima (γ Virginis) | +3.65 | 38 ly | Goddess of prophecy |
| Vindemiatrix (ε Virginis) | +2.83 | 110 ly | Grape Gatherer |
| Heze (ζ Virginis) | +3.38 | 74 ly | — |
Mythology and history
In Greek myth, Virgo is usually identified with Dike or Astraea, the goddess of justice who fled the earth at the end of the Golden Age.
Astraea and the Golden Age
During the Golden Age, the goddess of justice lived among mortals. As humanity grew corrupt through the Silver and Bronze Ages, she withdrew to the mountains, and finally to the sky, where she became the constellation Virgo. Her scales were placed nearby as Libra.
Other identifications
Virgo has also been linked to Demeter, goddess of the harvest, and to Ishtar in Babylonian tradition, where Spica represented the ear of grain she carried.
How to find it
Follow the curve of the Big Dipper's handle — 'arc to Arcturus, then speed on to Spica' — to find the bright blue-white star.
- Arc from the Big Dipper handle to Arcturus, then continue the curve to Spica.
- Spica is the only bright star in an otherwise faint region.
- Best on spring evenings from both hemispheres.
Key facts
- Abbreviation
- Vir
- Genitive
- Virginis
- Meaning
- The Maiden
- Brightest star
- Spica
- Main stars
- 15
- Area rank
- 2nd
- Best visible
- May
- Declination
- 0°
- Meteor showers
- Virginids, Mu Virginids
- Neighbours
- Boötes, Coma Berenices, Leo, Crater, Corvus, Hydra, Libra, Serpens, Ophiuchus
Deep-sky objects
Virgo contains the Virgo Cluster, a group of roughly 1,300 galaxies including the Sombrero Galaxy (M104) and the elliptical galaxy M87. The cluster lies about 54 million light-years away and forms the heart of the larger Virgo Supercluster.
Frequently asked questions
What does the constellation Virgo look like?
Virgo is a zodiac constellation known as the Maiden, marked by the bright blue-white star Spica and home to a vast cluster of galaxies.
What is the brightest star in Virgo?
The brightest star in Virgo is Spica, shining at around magnitude 0.98.
When is Virgo best visible?
Virgo is best seen from both hemispheres during May.
What is the story behind Virgo?
In Greek myth, Virgo is usually identified with Dike or Astraea, the goddess of justice who fled the earth at the end of the Golden Age.
Which constellations are near Virgo?
Virgo borders Boötes, Coma Berenices, Leo, Crater, Corvus, Hydra, Libra, Serpens and Ophiuchus.
Leo
Libra