Porrima (γ Vir)

Porrima (γ Vir) is a double star in the constellation Virgo, magnitude 3.5.

A pair of near-identical white stars whose separation changes quickly: it was unsplittable around its 2005 periastron and is now widening. Its components (magnitudes 3.5 and 3.5; spectral types F0 V (yellow-white) and F0 V (yellow-white)) lie 3.66″ apart at PA 350° (predicted for 2027.0 from its 169-year orbit).

When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around May, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in April). It can be seen from everywhere south of 89°N.

At its highest it stands 39° up from 50°N, 54° up from 35°N, 89° up from the equator, 56° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Double star

Constellation

Virgo

Designations

γ Vir, Gamma Virginis, 29 Vir, 29 Virginis, STF 1670, HIP 61941

Magnitude

3.5

Position

RA 12h 41.7m, Dec −1° 27′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Porrima (γ Vir) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.