Do you know the constellation of the sign of Virgo?

For thousands of years, constellations have called the attention of human beings. Made up of stars whose origins go back to the myths of ancient civilizations, the constellations have different shapes and sizes. In addition, 12 of the star clusters in the sky correspond to the signs of the zodiac, serving as the basis for the path the Sun follows in each of them throughout the year.

The constellation of Virgo, or Virgo, is one that can be easily identified in the night sky. Although they are not really groups of stars separate from each other, human perception of constellations still carry with them legendary stories.

In the case of Virgo, there are several theories, and the main one talks about Astreia, daughter of Zeus. If you are of the sign of Virgo or are interested in the constellations, read on and learn more about its stars, origin, and how to locate it.

Understanding more about constellations and astrology

Although they are human conceptions, constellations are groups of stars often observed and studied by astrologists. For the scholars, they are stars close enough to be grouped in specific shapes, and have an influence on the personality of the natives of each sign, for example. In the following you will learn what the famous constellations are, how to identify them, and more.

Origin and study of constellations

It is not known for sure the true origin of the constellations as they are known today, but they have their origins in Egyptian, Assyrian and Babylonian stories. When the Greeks identified these spaces in the sky, they began to receive meanings and names according to local mythology. Other constellations, located in the southern part of the sky, could not be seen by the Greek and Roman peoples.

The study of constellations involves the understanding of spaces in the sky conceived by human vision and of asterisms, which are sets formed by two or more stars.

What are constellations for?

Since the constellations themselves are not real, but their stars and astral objects are, they are a rich source of sky observation. For this reason, these stars have always been a source of information for humans from astronomy and even astrology. Since ancient civilizations, constellations have been observed in order to provide data about the time of year, for example.

Similarly, constellations were used as an indication of harvesting periods. Subjectively, they have played a leading role for thousands of years in the mythology and folklore of different cultures, just as they are relevant to the zodiac and signs. Constellations also indicate areas of the sky and guide observers to other unknown objects.

How to identify a constellation?

In practice, constellations were conceived from asterisms. For astronomy, an asterism is a recognizable star pattern, which becomes a group of stars with lines connecting the points. The identification of constellations in the sky depends on several variables, such as the position the observer is in relation to the sky.

So this is the starting point for one or a few constellations to become visible. Throughout the year, according to the passing of the seasons, the constellations can change places in the sky, oscillating around 90 degrees.

From the same observation point, at different times of the year, different constellations can be seen. However, the constellations do not change places in the north-south direction.

Famous Constellations

There are countless imaginary groupings of stars in the sky. The main known constellations, for the most part, derive from Ptolemy's studies based on extensive observation of the stars. Their full perception depends on the time of year and the place of observation.

Some of the famous constellations are Orion (celestial equator), Ursa Major (northern celestial hemisphere), Ursa Minor (northern celestial hemisphere), Swan (northern celestial hemisphere), Lyre (northern celestial hemisphere), Auriga (northern celestial hemisphere), Big Dog (southern celestial hemisphere), and Phoenix (southern celestial hemisphere).

Constellations of the zodiac

The constellations of the zodiac stand out for carrying with them a great deal of mysticism. They are 12 groups of stars, of different shapes and sizes, located in the elliptical. The sequence of these constellations is the same as that of the zodiac, since they symbolize the Sun's path through the sky along the entire zodiacal belt.

Each of the constellations of the signs has myths that represent its origin. Together, stories and stars help build the uniqueness of each sign. From the constellations and all the mysticism related to astrology, the characteristics of the native signs are listed, both positive and negative.

The largest of the constellations of the zodiac is Virgo, followed by Aquarius and Leo, while the smallest of the constellations is Capricorn. Some of the brightest stars in the sky are in the constellations of the zodiac, with Aldebaran in Taurus being the brightest among them and 14th among all the existing ones. Next comes Spica of Virgo, the 15th star in the sky with regard to brightness.

The constellation of Virgo

If you think that the constellation of Virgo has only stars, know that this space in the sky still holds other surprises. There are many myths related to its origin, and some of its objects can be observed with simple telescopes.

Curiosities and origin of the constellation Virgo

The constellation of Virgo is the second largest in the sky, and the largest among the 12 of the zodiac. Among these, it is still the constellation most surrounded by myths and stories, and the only one represented by a female figure, that of a maiden. It is one of the oldest catalogued and, despite its size, does not have a rich space and star clusters. It is a constellation full of distant galaxies.

Constellation of Virgo and Mythology

Among the many stories and legends about the constellation of Virgo, one is more prominent: the one related to the Greek goddess of justice Temis. Unhappy with the way humans lived, the goddess decided to return to heaven and transformed herself into a constellation.

Another widespread myth is that of Astreia, daughter of Zeus and Themis. On Earth, the young girl was sowing peace and found herself facing a world full of conflicts. To escape this reality, Astreia returned to the heavens and formed the constellation of Virgo.

How to locate the constellation Virgo

The location of the constellation of Virgo is between latitudes +80° and -80°. In the southern hemisphere it can be seen preferably in the fall, while in the northern hemisphere it is more easily located in the spring. To observe the constellation of Virgo, it is recommended to use neighboring stars as reference, some of them being the constellations of Leo and the Hair of Bernice.

Features of the constellation Virgo

As the largest constellation of the zodiac and the second largest in the sky, behind only Hydra, Virgo draws attention for having numerous distant galaxies. In some of them, it is possible to observe objects with the naked eye or with simple telescopes, and the extent of such galaxies is noteworthy.

Among the main stars, Spica stands out for its brightness. Of first magnitude, its luminosity is 2,000 times greater than that of the Milky Way's sun. Another interesting fact is the position of the star Beta Virginis, near the autumn equinox point in the sky. In practice, this represents one of the two meeting points between the elliptic and the celestial equator.

Top Stars

The constellation of Virgo has known planets and 20 stars. 15 of them have officially registered names, and the main star is called Spica, or Alpha Virginis. Spica is the brightest star in the entire constellation and one of the brightest in the sky, and is a binary system.

Such binarity is difficult to be observed by telescopes, since one of the stars is a subgiant and the other a bluish dwarf. Curiously, the star Spica is the one that represents the state of Pará on the Brazilian flag. Another noteworthy star is Heze, or Zeta Virginis, also binary and visible with the naked eye.

Minelauva, Delta Virginis, is a giant, high-speed red star that is visible without the need for binoculars. Epsilon Virginis, known as Vindemiatrix, is giant and about 77 times brighter than the sun in the Solar System. Some of its major galaxies are full of stars.

Other deep sky objects in Virgo

Deep sky objects in a constellation are those whose identification from Earth is difficult and often missed. Globular clusters, nebulae and galaxies are considered deep sky objects, the latter being the main ones in the constellation of Virgo.

Notable galaxies are Messier 49, 58, 59, 60, 61, 84, 86, 87 and 89, the Siamese Twin galaxy, the Sombrero galaxy and the Eye galaxies. Together they are part of the so-called galaxy cluster, which can be divided into smaller groups around the main structures. There is also a quasar, which is an active, distant, energy-filled galaxy nucleus.

At over 50 million light-years from Earth, the Messier 87 galaxy is one of the largest and brightest galaxies in the known universe, and is incredibly massive. In addition to its remarkable size, it is known for its famous black hole. Messier 49, or M49, is one of the largest elliptical galaxies in existence, being larger than both the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy.

More information about the sign of Virgo

The fluidity of processes in a harmonious way is one of Virgo's characteristics. From Earth, the sign refers to the fertility and abundance of the earth that nourishes its children. It is feminine and deals with the full functioning of cycles, which often happens from what cannot be seen. Below, learn more about Virgo and its unfoldings in relationships and daily life.

Main characteristics of the Virgo sign

The sixth sign of the zodiac, with its mutable mode, speaks subtly about the cycles and movements of nature. Mythologically related to wheat and the harvest, Virgo reflects impermanence and the simplicity of processes, in a constant search for improvement. Representing the practical aspects of life, the sign contrasts reality and sensitivity in its opposite, Pisces.

General Features

Because it is the sign that represents a filter of reality, it is often seen by many as one of the most difficult and often boring signs of the zodiac. Ruled by Mercury, it has a strong appeal related to communication and a strong critical sense. It likes to keep things in order and to improve what is around it, preferably by being useful and recognized. Check out more characteristics:

Positive Features

Practicality is the main quality of those who have the Sun in Virgo. They are natives who usually find solutions to problems and are predominantly thoughtful, kind, reliable, and helpful. They are people you can count on because of their dedicated and caring personality. Intelligent and methodical, Virgoans are organized and know how to make a difference.

Negative characteristics

Anxious, the Virgoan can be irritating and pessimistic in many situations. An excess of practicality can make him insensitive and overly critical, making him difficult to live with. The Virgoan tends to be complaining, systematic, and very detailed in everything he does. He is easily identified as a cold person.

How to relate to Virgo people?

Virgoans like to feel accepted and loved. To relate well with them in any kind of interaction, sincerity and patience are important. Their difficulty in expressing feelings and their heightened sensitivity can be frightening, and making sure they are not hurt makes all the difference when it comes to relating to Virgoans. Also, respect their space anddo not press.

What does the constellation of Virgo represent for this sign?

The constellation of Virgo, from the mythology about its origin, speaks about issues related to harvest and the cycles of nature. The understanding about the solar transit through the elliptic and its permanence in each of the signs shows the influence exerted by the stars in question on the personality of the individuals born under the sign, according to Astrology.

Regarding Virgo, the constellation is the second largest in the sky and is part of the group of zodiac constellations. For natives, it is a symbolic way of representing the sign, which has numerous stars that stand out in the sky, such as Spica, one of the 15 brightest.

The perception of an ear of corn and its relationship to the Greek goddess of fortune, Tic, also adds value to the constellation. For scholars, the influence of the stars of the constellation of Virgo occurs during the sign's lifetime. Its observation, however, does not depend on the date.