Basic Info

Translation: “Virgin” or “Young Lady”

Family: Virgo belongs to the zodiac family and lies between Leo and the west Libra

Who invented or found it: This was one of the constellations named by Ptolemy.

Meaning behind mythology

Greek mythology tells the story of Erigone. Her father’s name was Icarius, he was a farmer. He had a friend named Dionysus, who was the God of Wine. One day, Dionysus gave wine to Icarius and his shepherds to honor their friendship. Icarius’s shepherds had never drank alcohol before so they thought they had been poisoned. His shepherds killed Icarius through a drunken rage. When Erigone found her body, she was so distraught that she buried her father and proceeded to hang herself. Until the city of Athens honored Icarius and his daughter, he placed a plague on the city causing single women to commit suicide. Dionysus placed Erigone amongst the stars as Virgo and her father as Bootes.

Stars and Visibility

How many stars and names: There are seven total stars in Virgo. Zavijah, Zaniah, Porrima, Auva, Vindemiatrix, Heze, and Spica.

Best visible: In the Northern Hemisphere, Virgo is best seen in May at 9pm

Visible between what latitudes: Visible between latitude 80 minus 80

Interesting Facts

1. Largest constellation in the Zodiac family and second largest constellation.

2. The star Spica inside of Virgo is the 16th brightest star

Works Cited

http://www.solarsystemquick.com/universe/virgo-constellation.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgo_(constellation)

http://www.space.com/17021-virgo-constellation.html