Virgo is a constellation also known as the Virgin. It is an equatorial constellation. Virgo is bordered by several constellations, including Crater Hydra, Leo, and Libra. It is best viewed in April and May. It is the second largest constellation, after Hydra. Virgo was among the 48 constellations defined by the ancient Greek mathematician Ptolemy. Today, it is one of 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the leading authority in the naming of heavenly objects. Virgo is also one of the 12 signs of the zodiac used in astrology (see Virgo ).
Virgo can be drawn in several ways using different numbers of stars. In one common configuration, Virgo resembles a line drawing or stick figure of a human body. A group of four stars forms the outline of the head.
Virgo has a quasar within its boundaries designated 3C 273. A quasar is an extremely luminous (bright) object at the center of some galaxies. 3C 273 was the first quasar ever identified as the center of a galaxy. It is also the brightest quasar in Earth’s sky.
