Virgo (constellation)

Virgo

Constellation
List of stars in Virgo
Abbreviation	Vir
Genitive	Virginis
Pronunciation	/ˈvɜːrɡoʊ/, genitive /ˈvɜːrdʒɪnɪs/
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	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 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.