When the sun has passed Leo it enters the largest of all the
constellations, Virgo, and passes through it in forty-five days, from
September 14th to October 29th. The constellation is far from rich in
bright stars; but one may find the ecliptic, or path of the sun, by
following a curved southeasterly line from Regulus about sixty-five
degrees until it reaches Spica,[4] a very bright first-magnitude star
in this comparatively starless region. If there is any doubt about
Spica, it may be found by following the curve of the handle of the Big
Dipper about thirty degrees, which brings one to the splendid Arcturus,
and then about thirty degrees farther on, which points one to Spica.
[4] See “Spica” in _The Friendly Stars_.
Eight or nine days after entering Virgo the sun crosses the equator at
the autumnal equinox, and the rest of the ecliptic lies farther south.
Spica is about ten degrees south of the equator.
Spica is in the east during the early evenings in April and May;
throughout June and July it may be seen in the south during the
evening. In October it sets at about the same time as the sun.
The autumnal equinox, or the point where the ecliptic crosses to the
south of the equator, is in Virgo, and lies about fifteen degrees
northeast of Spica.