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Virgo, the Maiden ⬅︎

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Virgo, the Maiden, is the second largest of all the constellations. It is easy to find because of its brightest star Spica (mag. +1.05) found below the even brighter star Arcturus in Bootes.

Virgo is extremely rich in galaxies numbering in the hundreds that can be viewed in a telescope from a dark site. Some are accessible with binoculars. A favorite target is the Chain of Galaxies with about a dozen galaxies. See the link below. The famous Sombrero Galaxy is also found along the southern border of Virgo.

Virgo is a constellation of the zodiac which means the planets appear to travel through it coming from Leo and exiting into Libra along the path known as the ecliptic.
Viewing Virgo, the Maiden
LevelEasyRatingBest ViewingApril to early June
FindUsing the end of the handle of the Big Dipper in Ursa Major, follow the arc down to Arcturus in Bootes. Continue the arc downwards 33° (a bit more than one outstretched hand) to Spica. Use the Constellations of Spring link below for more help.
Find the main stars of Virgo. Try drawing the constellation with stars, lines and labels.
With binoculars many more stars will be visible. Although there are galaxies scattered through Virgo, most will be too dim to view even under dark skies. Look for the Sombrero Galaxy/M104 which is about 10° (one fist-width) from both Spica and Porrima. Take time to explore.
See the link below for the Chain of Galaxies.
▶︎ Constellations of Spring  ▶︎ Virgo  ▶︎ Chain of Galaxies