Constellation · Vir
Virgo
The Maiden
The second-largest constellation and a zodiac constellation. Spica marks the maiden's ear of grain, and the Virgo Cluster holds more than a thousand galaxies.
Magnitude 0.98
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (spring in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Named stars in Virgo
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Spica (Alpha Virginis)mag 0.98
- Porrima (Gamma Virginis)mag 2.74
- Vindemiatrix (Epsilon Virginis)mag 2.85
- Heze (Zeta Virginis)mag 3.38
- Minelauva (Delta Virginis)mag 3.39
- Zavijava (Beta Virginis)mag 3.59
Can you see Virgo from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Virgo |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Virgo
When is Virgo best seen?
Virgo stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in May. That makes spring evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Virgo?
The brightest star in Virgo is Spica (Alpha Virginis), magnitude 0.98.
Where on Earth can you see Virgo?
The whole of Virgo can be seen from latitudes between about 76°S and 67°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Virgo mean?
Virgo is Latin for "the Maiden". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).