When is the best time to observe Vindemiatrix?

Vindemiatrix is best observed from March through May, with peak visibility during April when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Vindemiatrix located in the sky?

Vindemiatrix lies in the constellation Virgo at right ascension 13h 02m and declination +10° 58′.

What telescope do I need to split Vindemiatrix?

Splitting Vindemiatrix requires an aperture of roughly 60 mm or larger — the components are separated by about 273.8″ at magnitudes near 2.8. The companion is about 9.1 magnitudes fainter, so glare from the primary — not separation — sets the minimum aperture. Larger apertures and steady seeing help resolve the pair cleanly.

Vindemiatrix — Double Star in Virgo

HIP 63608; Epsilon Virginis; 47 Virginis

Magnitude 2.8^m DoubleStar Virgo (Vir) Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Vindemiatrix

Description

Vindemiatrix is a yellow giant of spectral type G8IIIab at magnitude 2.83 in Virgo. Located about 110 light-years from Earth, it has a luminosity of roughly 83 times solar. Its name means 'the grape gatherer,' reflecting its historical association with the grape harvest season.

Observing Tips

Vindemiatrix lies in the eastern part of Virgo, separated from Spica by about 15 degrees. It is a warm yellow star that marks the right arm of the celestial Virgin. Best observed April through July when Virgo is prominent.

History

The name Vindemiatrix comes from Latin meaning 'the grape harvestress.' Its heliacal rising once coincided with the beginning of the grape harvest in the Mediterranean. In Arabic, it was called 'al-muridin,' meaning 'the one sent forth.' It has been associated with agriculture for over 2,000 years.

Fun Facts

Vindemiatrix is one of the few bright stars whose name directly references an agricultural activity. Its rising before dawn in late August once signaled the time to begin picking grapes in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Observe

1Physical Properties

Magnitude 2.83

Spectral Type G8III giant

Star Color Orange (B-V 0.94)

Distance 110 ly

2Position & Identifiers

RA 13h 02m 10.6s

Dec +10° 57' 33.0"

Constellation Virgo (Vir)

HR 4932

HIP 63608

HD 113226

SAO 100384

Bayer Epsilon

Flamsteed 47 Vir

SIMBAD Wikipedia

3How easy to split?

Primary 2.8 mag Companion 11.9 mag Separation 273.8″

Telescope	Bortle 3	Bortle 4	Bortle 5
80 mm refractor 80mm refr.	Hard	V. hard+	V. hard
150 mm Newton 150mm Newt.	Medium	Hard+	Hard
Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm	Medium+	Medium	Hard+

Easy Medium Hard Very hard Impossible

Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs

4Visibility

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Best season Mar – May (peak: Apr)

5Multiple Star System

Separation 273.8″

Companion Mag 11.9

Position Angle 117°

Star Colors A: Orange

Discoverer BUP 147

Separation over time

Measured 1838 → 2015 (177 y)

Separation drift 229.0" → 273.8" (+44.80")

Rate +0.2531" / y

PA drift 124° → 117° (-7°, -0.040°/y)

Apparent motion is significant on a human timescale — worth revisiting in a decade.

Measured from the WDS observational archive. No orbital solution has been derived — most likely the period is too long to fit an orbit to the available measurement arc.