Constellation · best in May evenings

Virgo

Genitive Virginis · Vir

Not above the horizon after darkRises 07:29 · not up after dark

Join the waitlistSkyMate is coming to iPhone

Where is Virgo?

Times for LondonChange city

Below the horizon after dark tonight. Rises 07:29.

Rises: 07:29
Highest: 13:22
Sets: 19:12
Best after dark: —

How to find Virgo

Start with Spica, Virgo’s brightest star (mag 1.0). Nearby constellations include Corvus, Coma Berenices, Crater and Libra.

Its center is at right ascension 13h 18m, declination −2°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Spica

Best time to see Virgo

Virgo is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in May. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 59° N to 64° S.

From London tonight, Virgo isn’t above the horizon while the sky is dark. It rises at 07:29 and sets at 19:12, in daylight or twilight.

This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.

Seeing Virgo

Eyes

Its brightest star, Spica, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.

Binoculars

Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.

Telescope

The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.

What you’re likely to see, not what a space telescope photographs. General guidance from catalog brightness and size, not a forecast for tonight.

About

Virgo (genitive Virginis, abbreviated Vir) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Spica, magnitude 1.0.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 2 named stars and 11 deep-sky objects in Virgo.

Brightest stars and objects in Virgo

Questions

What is the brightest star in Virgo?

Spica, at magnitude 1.0.

When is Virgo visible?

Virgo is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in May. In the months either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night.

Can I see Virgo from where I live?

All of Virgo rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 59° N to 64° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

Star in itSpica Star in itVindemiatrix Object in itMessier 49 Another constellationAndromeda Another constellationAntlia GuideStargazing for beginners

Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences