Astronomy · Stars
Spica
The blue star of Virgo — actually a close binary.
- Constellation
- Virgo
- Color
- Blue
- System
- Close binary of hot, massive stars
- Finding it
- 'Arc to Arcturus, then speed on to Spica'
달덩이 · CC BY
Gallery
Cassani sede spica (2)
stabilimento SPICA
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain
Virgo's brightest
Spica is the leading star of Virgo and a prominent feature of spring evenings in the Northern Hemisphere. Its blue tint signals high temperature.
A close double
Although it looks like one star, Spica is a close binary — two hot, massive stars orbiting so tightly that they cannot be separated by eye. Their mutual orbit subtly affects the light we receive.
Star-hopping to Spica
A classic sky guide runs: 'arc to Arcturus, then speed on to Spica.' Following the curve of the Big Dipper's handle leads first to orange Arcturus and then onward to blue Spica.
Knowledge connections
How this connects across Asteria Star — scientific, cultural, and astrological links are kept separate.
Scientific connections
- Belongs toVirgo