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The 7 main stars of Virgo form 2 distinct star patterns: Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon and Eta Virginis; form an asterism known as "The Bowl of Virgo". Together with Spica and Theta Virginis, they form a Y shape. The star 70 Virginis has one of the first known extrasolar planetary systems with one confirmed planet 7.5 times the mass of Jupiter.
The constellation Virgo has various origins in different mythologies. In most myths, Virgo is depicted as a virgin maiden [7] associated with wheat. [8] In Greek and Roman mythology, Virgo is related to Demeter, the Greek goddess of the harvest and autumn, or her daughter Persephone, queen of the Underworld and goddess of spring. [9]
Spica is the brightest star in the constellation of Virgo (lower left). As one of the nearest massive binary star systems to the Sun, Spica has been the subject of many observational studies. [17] Spica is believed to be the star that gave Hipparchus the data that led him to discover the precession of the equinoxes. [18]
Erigone was placed in the stars as the constellation Virgo by Dionysus or Zeus who pitied her misfortune. [ 3 ] According to Ovid, Dionysus "deceived Erigone with false grapes", [ 4 ] that is, assumed the shape of a grape cluster to approach and seduce her.
Star lore or starlore is the creating and cherishing of mythical stories about the stars and star patterns (constellations and asterisms); that is, folklore based upon the stars and star patterns. Using the stars to explain religious doctrines or actual events in history is also defined as star lore. Star lore has a very long history; it has ...
The Catasterismi or Catasterisms (Greek Καταστερισμοί Katasterismoi, "Constellations" or "Placings Among the Stars" [1]) is a lost work by Eratosthenes of Cyrene. It was a comprehensive compendium of astral mythology including origin myths of the stars and constellations.
Spica is a binary blue-white star pair that appears as a single point of light from Earth, and is commonly if incorrectly referred to as a single star. The star system is 250 light years away and has an apparent magnitude of 1.04. [13] It is the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, and is the 15th brightest star in the night sky. [14]
Beta Virginis, a name Latinised from β Virginis, is a star in the equatorial constellation of Virgo.It has the proper name Zavijava (/ ˌ z æ v ɪ ˈ dʒ æ v ə /), [11] [12] [13] and, despite its designation 'beta', is the fifth-brightest star in Virgo with an apparent visual magnitude of 3.604. [2]