Virgo Constellation

A constellation can be described as a specific configuration of stars seen in the sky. Until today, 88 constellations have been discovered and observed from the Earth. Among the 88, there are 12 Zodiac constellations that are named after the 12 Zodiac signs.

The Constellation Virgo
The Virgo is the second largest constellation in the sky. The constellation of Leo lies to the east, whereas that of Libra lies to the west of Virgo. The constellations of Bootes and Coma Berenice lie to the north of the Virgo; whereas the constellations of Corvus, Hydra and Crater are located to the south of it. It looks like a virginal maiden, hence, the name Virgo (it is a Latin word for virgin). This constellation houses large number of beautiful galaxies.

The stars in the Virgo constellation include: Alpha Virginis (Spica), Beta Virginis (Zavijava), Gamma Virginis (Porrima), Delta Virginis (Auva), Epsilon Virginis (Vindemiatrix), Eta Virginis (Zaniah), Iota Virginis (Syrma), Mu Virginis (Rijl al Awwa) and Zeta Virginis (Heze).

Mythology
There are several fables, legends and myths associated with the Virgo. This maiden represents different goddesses and maidens in different cultures. The Babylonians linked her to Ishtar, the goddess of procreation; whereas in the Greek mythology, the Virgo stands for Astrea or Dike who was the daughter of Zeus and Temis. The Romans attributed Virgo to Ceres, the goddess of crops and fields. Erigone, Persephone and Isis are the other goddesses and maidens that symbolize Virgo in different cultures. Nearly all the themes have similar themes and run on parallel lines.

Persephone, the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, was abducted and taken to the underground. This angered her mother Demeter and hence, she, as a revenge, ruined the Earth, its harvests which left people starving. Zeus intervened and issued an order that Persephone should spend only some time of the year in the underground. The natural course of the nature and the harvests returned when the order was carried out immediately. It is also believed that when Persephone is underground, the earth experiences autumn and winter.

Facts

• Spica is the brightest star.
• The abbreviation of the constellation is VIR.
• The total area covered is 1294 square degrees.
• The nearest star to the Earth is the Ross 128.
• The sun remains in the Virgo constellation for 45 days, which is longer than any other constellation.
• The month of May is considered as the best time to view this constellation.
• The Sombrero galaxy lies in the constellation of Virgo.
• First Point of Libra, also known as autumnal equinox, is an equinoctial point that lies in this constellation.

Virgo Zodiac Sign
The Virgo is the sixth Zodiac sign, symbolized by a virginal maiden and ruled by planet mercury. People born in between 23rd August to 22nd September belong to Virgo zodiac. These individuals are marked by intelligence, modesty and shyness. They are also extremely practical and methodical. However, their characteristic critical nature often becomes a hindrance in their lives.

The Virgo, unlike other constellations, is easy to locate and observe in the sky. If you ever get an opportunity, do not miss it as watching stars in a constellation can really be a thrilling experience.