2007-11-27 06:54:21 · 3 answers · asked by Semon Y 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It came from the Latin word "spica virginis" which means "Virgin's ear of grain". In constellations, it is used to represent a stalk of the Virgin(Virgo) is holding. It is the brightest star in the constellation Virgo. It can be located easily in the sky by following the sweep/curve of the Big Dipper's handle, passing to a bright orange star, Arcturus, then, still following the arc, you will hit a bright star, Spica.
2007-11-28 23:08:25 · answer #1 · answered by ICJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The name Spica comes from the Latin "spica virginis" ... Virgo's "ear of grain".
2007-11-27 14:59:32 · answer #2 · answered by kyeri y 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a Latin name (most star names are from the Arabic).
In a mythological rendition, the contellation Virgo represents a young woman at harvest time, holding a spike of wheat (spike is another word for 'ear' when applied to cereals).
2007-11-27 15:04:31 · answer #3 · answered by Raymond 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋