The constellation of Virgo, the Maiden // E. Slawik, NOIRLab, NSF, AURA, and M. Zamani
Click below to read some history about Virgo and some of the named stars in the constellation! There's also an annotated image!
Virgo, the Maiden, is one of the original 48 constellations listed by Greek astronomer Ptolemy. It is the second-largest constellation on the sky and the largest zodiac constellation. Early myths associated Virgo with a wheat goddess, such as the Babylonian goddess Shala and the Greek goddess Demeter. Later myths associated her with a virgin or the goddess of justice, Dike, with her scales of justice (Libra) nearby.
In order of brightness, the named stars are:
Spica (α Virginis) a binary system about 250 light years away. Its name comes from the Latin phrase spīca virginis meaning "the virgin's ear of grain." This is a holdover from when Virgo was seen as a goddess of wheat.
Porrima (γ Virginis) is a binary star system about 38 light years away. The name comes from Roman mythology: Porrima was one of the goddesses of prophecy. She was also a protector against the dangers of childbirth.
Vindemiatrix (ε Virginis) is a solitary yellow giant star about 110 light years away. Its name comes from the Latin word vindēmiātrix meaning "the grape-harvestress."
Heze (ζ Virginis) is a binary star system about 74 light years away. It was given its name in the 1951 book, Atlas Coeli, by Czech astronomer Antonín Bečvář. However, we don't know what it means.
Minelauva (δ Virginis) is a solitary red giant star about 198 light years away. It comes from the Arabic phrase min al-ʽawwāʼ meaning "in the lunar mansion of 'awwa", although we don't know what 'awwa means.
Zavijava (β Virginis) is a solitary yellow-white star about 36 light years away. Its name comes from the Arabic phrase zāwiyat al-cawwa’ meaning "corner of the barking [dog]."
Zaniah (η Virginis) is a triple star system about 246 light years away. Its name comes from the Arabic word zāwiyah meaning "corner."
Syrma (ι Virginis) is a binary star system about 72 light years away. Its name comes from the Arabic word sirmā referring to a "train [of a garment]."
Kang (κ Virginis) is a solitary orange giant star about 255 light years away. Its name comes from the Chinese words Kàng Sù (亢宿) meaning "neck."
Khambalia (λ Virginis) is a binary star system about 173 light years away. Its name comes from the Greek word gampsotês meaning "crookedness."
Apamvatsa (74 Virginis) is a solitary red giant star about 400 light years away. Its name comes from Indian astronomy, the word Āpaṃvatsa meaning "calf of the waters."
Elgafar (φ Virginis) is a binary star system about 118 light years away. The name comes from the Arabic word al-ghafr of unknown meaning.
Finally, Lich (PSR B1257+12) is a pulsar with a planetary system! the name was decided by a planetarium in Italy, giving the name Lich to the pulsar, an undead creature. Meanwhile, its three planets were given the names Draugr, Poltergeist, and Phobetor, supernatural beings in Norse, German, and Greek mythology, respectively.
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PRESENT. Evening. BELLA’s hospital room. There is a hospital bed at the center, BELLA is lying on the bed while DOCTOR DAN is on the side holding the results of tests for her diagnosis.
BELLA
(suffers)
I am in a run of breath, my heart is giving up, I knew that this day death will take my hand and kiss my cheek. My heart will still be yours my love, till my last breath it will still be yours.
DOCTOR DAN
(softly)
Mrs. Montreal, you already knew what this day offers to you right?
BELLA
(softly)
Yes, Doc. But I have a favor to ask, may you give my eyes to him?
DOCTOR DAN
(softly)
Are you sure Mrs. Montereal?
BELLA
(in pain)
Yes, Doc, for God gave me a sense of sight to seek what true love is and to be guided by the truth amongst all the trials and tribulations. I won't hesitate to sacrifice a piece of mine for the people I loved.
DOCTOR DAN
(softly)
He is very fortunate to have a person like you in his life. You have a nun condition all over for him that’ll be in his heart for eternal life.
BELLA
(suffers)
Doc, can you call my love outside?
DOCTORDAN
(softly)
Of course, just please hang on.
FLASHBACK.BELLA’S FAMILY having dinner. There is food on the table and BELLA is happily eating except for her FATHER who is looking troubled and her MOTHER sad.
BELLA’SFATHER
(tensed voice)
I have something terrible to say…your mother and I did our very best to save our goods and businesses and we’re continuously innovating up to now but our sales are fluctuating.
BELLA’S MOTHER
(sad and near to tears)
We are about to lose our home and our land. *looks at BELLA*BELLA, you will not be able to study furthermore.
BELLA
(shocked)
What? We will suffer? That means I won’t be able to study at Scholastic’s University with Kath?
MOTHER
(sadly)
I’m really sorry, BELLA. We might transfer you to another school that’s not taking a huge amount of money…
FATHER
(disbelief is evident)
No! BELLA will continue her studies until she finishes this school year.
MOTHER
(gently opposes her husband)
But my love, we can no longer pay for the rest of her tuition fee. Let's focus bringing the businesses back into life first. It’s for her also.
FATHER
(calmly held his wife’s hands)
Education is a very vital and significant unto someone’s life. That is the only thing we are sure she could inherit from us when we gave her that. Even if we lose our luxuries, it is important that she is educated in all aspects of life for the effect is eternal.
BELLA
(cries)
Thank you so much my lovely mom and dad, this meant a lot to me
Next scene at school; lunch break. BELLA was with KATH. They were sitting at the table eating lunch.
BELLA
(sad)
KATH, I have something to say…our businesses, house even my education is on the verge of evanescing.
KATH
(concerned)
Oh BELLA, I’m sorry to hear that.
BELLA
(sad)
I want to help my parents in the matter of education at least. I want to strive so badly.
KATH
(Thinks then beamed towards her)
Ah! BELLA, since you're good in math why don't you do tutoring? One of our professors is looking for scholars and for sure you'll be picked! That would be great to help your parents right?
BELLA
(grateful)
Oh yeah…thank you! You’re such a great friend!
After lunch, KATH guided BELLA to their MATH TEACHER's office. The MATH TEACHER is sitting on a chair with a table while checking papers. KATH knocks to the door.
MATH TEACHER
(calm)
Come in, what can I help you MS. MONTEREAL and MS. DELA CRUZ?
KATH
(shy)
Goodafternoon professor, my friend here would like to apply for the scholarship program in tutoring the subject Math.
MATHTEACHER
(glad)
MS. MONTEREAL wants to apply as a scholar? Oh! She definitely can be a tutor. She had an excellent performance in my class by far.
BELLA
(excited)
Really, professor? Thankyou! When shall I start and who will I tutor?
MATHTEACHER
(glad)
If you could start tomorrow after class in the library, then you could be lucky. Here are the lessons that you can teach.
BELLA
(happy)
Thank you , Sir!
AFTERNOON.IN THE HOUSE.BELLA's PARENTS in the living room seriously talking with each other. They did not notice that BELLA came home.
BELLA’S FATHER
(sad and problematic)
Honey, the VILLARUIZ FAMILY wants to buy our mango plantation. They’re pressuring us to give our property and businesses to them. However, I will not let that happen because I have inherited this land from my father.
BELLA’S MOTHER
(sad)
I will try to ask for help from my relatives’ maybe they can help us out.
BELLA’S FATHER
(ashamed)
I’m sorry for being a failure as your husband my love.
BELLA’S MOTHER
(cries)
You’re not a failure my love. You are the best husband and father we could ever have. I love you, dear.
They all hugged each other and BELLA cried silently.The next day, MORNING. BELLA is at the library and saw a guy wearing glasses seating alone. She then approaches him.
BELLA
(curious)
Hi, are you WILLIAM?
WILLIAM
(glad)
Yes. Are you my tutor? Please take a seat.
BELLA
(confident)
I’m BELLA MONTEREAL, nice to meet you. *reach out to shake hands*
WILLIAM
(curious)
Nice to meet you too BELLA. Your surname is familiar…have we met somewhere before?
BELLA
(doubts)
Hmm…I don’t think we’ve met before.
WILLIAM
(glad)
I see…I Hope we can work well together.
TRANSITION TO PRESENT.WILLIAM is talking to KATH in a coffee shop, sitting together with coffee at their table.
WILLIAM
(anxious)
How’sBELLA? Do you have any news from her?
KATH
(sad)
I don't have any news about her after she transferred and broke up with you...
WILLIAM
(miserable)
We didn't want it to happen. She broke up with me because of how cruel my family was to them.
KATH
(concerned)
How about you, how are you? Is your eyes has been treated?
WILLIAM
(sad)
Not yet, the doctor said that there is no cure unless we’ll have a transplant.
FLASHBACK.BELLA and WILLIAM were having fun walking in the park while holding each other hands. WILLIAM’s parents will come and get to see the two.
BELLA
(happy)
WILLIAM, thank you for today I really had fun.
WILLIAM
(gladness will become serious)
BELLA, before we go home, I want to tell something really important to you.
BELLA
(soft)
I have something to tell you too but you go first.
WILLIAM
(serious)
It’s about my family and yours.
BELLA
(intrigued)
What is it about our family?
WILLIAM
(miserable)
Bella, I’m the son of Mr. and Mrs. VILLARUIZ. My parents are the one that’s continuously ruining your family.
BELLA
(shocked)
N-no! This can’t be true…your parents just wants to ruin us and make us thorn!
WILLIAM’S MOTHER
(furious)
WILLIAM, what are you doing here? Blood heck! This is the offspring of MONTEREAL! Both of you, what are you doing here? Why are you holding each other’s hand?
WILLIAM’S FATHER
(aggresive)
What is the meaning of this, son? You’re dating our rival’s daughter?
WILLIAM’S MOTHER
(furious)
How dare you to seduce my son BELLA? You want just want our money now that your life is slacking. You poor little filthy piece of rag!
BELLA
(cries)
I did not seduce your son MRS. VILLARUIZ, it signifies love for each other.
WILLIAM’S FATHER
(coldly)
Love? It is not suitable in your age. Both of you must focus on your education instead of doing unnecessary things.
BELLA
(cries)
I’m sorry but we love each other…
WILLIAM’S MOTHER
(harshly slapped her)
You are not allowed to love him; you must cut all your ties! From now on both of you are not allowed to meet each other!
WILLIAM
No mom, I love Bella!
BELLA
(understandingly cries)
I think what your parents are saying is true WILLIAM… We must obey and follow them instead my love. Let’s break up…
WILLIAM
(curious)
Where is Bella? I need to talk to her.
KATH
(confuse)
You are not aware that she migrated. I called her and she was crying; she said that you should take care of yourself.
WILLIAM
(faintly cries)
W-what? No! She can’t leave me… N-no it can’t… my head hurts like hell I think I’m going to faint…
KATH
(panicked)
Help! Somebody help us here! WILLIAM! What’s happening to you?
PRESENT. Doc Dan walks out of Bella’s hospital room and calls out WILLIAM.
DOC DAN
(softly)
Bella wants to talk to you, William…
BELLA
(weakly smiles at him)
Hey, long time no see…
WILLIAM
(emotional and held Bella's hand sitting next to her)
I’m sorry, Bella. Pardon me for the things that my family did to you and your family. Pardon me if I wouldn’t know about this situation, and if ever knew this, I would be by your side sooner while going through this battle. I’m so sorry…
BELLA
(smiles weakly and holds his hand)
Shh, it’s alright. I loved you dearly and I’m glad you’re doing fine. I'm happy that I met you and loved someone like you who is kind. You are my special person despite of all our problems, we made it through.
WILLIAM
(cries)
I love you, Bella. I’m so sorry for being a coward.
BELLA
(calmly and softly)
Remember the time that I'm going to say something? It is about my disease. Sorry I’ve kept it all this time, William. I’m sorry if I left you behind knowing you’re in pain also hurts me.
WILLIAM
(held Bella’s hand tightly and kiss it)
Don’t worry love. I’m not going to leave you, I promise.
BELLA
(whisper)
Yes, please. I want to spend more time with you. But I know that I’m being selfish if I say that I want to die first, and let’s say that I end up lying in an ivory coffin first. What will you do?
WILLIAM
(look at Bella’s eyes and held her hands tightly)
I.. I wouldn’t know. But probably, I stay beside you. Watch you over. Sing you a lullaby. Read you stories. I want hold your hands like this.
BELLA
You’ll do that, until the end?
WILLIAM
Until the end, Bella.
WILLIAM did what he promise to BELLA and from there on he was always there for her. Until she dies.WILLIAM found his donor for his eyes, without knowing that it was BELLA’S eyes.WILLIAM already went to the hospital for his surgery and it was successful. Days after, he was discharged and they were preparing to go home. He was with his family and now sitting opposite DOC DAN in his chamber.
MOM NI WILLIAM
(teary eyes)
I don’t know how to thank you, doctor. You’ve restored my son’s sight. You’ve given me back his life.
DOC DAN
Nothing of that sort, Mrs. All I did is my duty and I am glad that the surgery was a success. William, take precautions as I advised to you. God bless you.
DOC DAN was about to LEAVE the room but he was stopped when WILLIAM asked something to him.
WILLIAM
Will I ever know the angel who donated eyes to me, doctor?
DOC DAN
(sad smile and he grab the letter from his pocket and gave the letter to WIlliam)
According to our rules, we shall not say it. But this donor has her request to the head and gave an approval. She also want gave this letter to you.
MOM NI WILLIAM
(Thankful)
She? Who is the donor, doc? I want to thank her, personally.
DOC DAN
Sorry, but you can’t talk to her. The donor was Bella. Anyway, take care William and come back for the follow check-ups. Good day.”
All of the people in the room was shock, especially WILLIAM. He cannot believe that BELLA donated her eyes for him. WILLIAM’S parents particularly his mother felt guilty. She treated BELLA as a shit yet BELLA gave up her eyes for WILLIAM. Unknowingly, she began to cry. WILLIAM father also felt guilty and he console his wife.
WILLIAM stared at the letter and he opened it.
“Dear William,I’m so sorry that I left this world first. I hope that you love my—your—our eyes. Remember that even though I’m gone physically, I’m still with you through my eyes. I love you and long live, love. -Bella”
William didn’t notice that he’s crying but he still managed to smile and he whispered “I love you” to the air
