Expert: Jayendra Upadhye - 8/13/2008

Question
Is the Virgo constellation in our galaxy? I looked up both definitions and just got very confused. And how far is it from our solar system in light years?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi,
All distinct stars you see in the sky belong to our galaxy only!
(without exception).

The nearest galaxy, Andromeda is 2 million light years away.

It is so faint one can barely see the full galaxy as a mere hazy spot near cassiopia, on moonless nights.
We cannot see individual stars of that or any other outer galaxy, by our un-aided eyes.

Each star of the constellation is at differing distance from the sun (our solar system).

You can find distances to the major stars of Virgo on the net.
Refer:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgo_(constellation)

clicking on each conctituent star will open a separate page with its distance from the sun.

This constellation is famous for two galaxy clusters that lie along the line of sight very far from our milkyway galaxy.

1 - Coma bernices (Coma cluster of galaxies).
2 - Virgo cluster of galaxies.

With a binocular of power 10 and 70 mm objectives, you can see these galaxies as a collection of specks closely packed together!

Please do rate the answer if you find it helpful.
regards
Jayen