Virgo (constellation)

Virgo
Constellation
Virgo
AbbreviationVir
GenitiveVirginis
Pronunciation
Symbolismthe Maiden
Right ascension13h
Declination−4°
QuadrantSQ3
Area1294 sq. deg. (2nd)
Main stars9, 15
Bayer/Flamsteed
stars
96
Stars with planets29
Stars brighter than 3.00m3
Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly)10
Brightest starSpica (α Vir) (0.98m)
Messier objects11
Meteor showers
Bordering
constellations
Visible at latitudes between +80° and −80°.
Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of May.

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.