Spica (Alpha Virginis) (Apr 2, 2004)
Type:
Giant star (Class B1III-IV) /
Main sequence star (Class B2V)
Brightness:
0.98 mag (var. 0.07)
Distance:
260 ly
Colour:
blue
Luminosity (Sun = 1):
2,200 x (main component: 80%)
Mass (Sun = 1):
10.9 x / 6.8 x
Temperature:
20,000 degrees approx.
Diameter:
15 solar radii / 4 solar radii
Notes:
Spica has a companion. Both stars orbit around their center of gravity within 4 days. One of the two components ia a dying giant star. The Spica system probably contains even two more stars.

Celestron Newton 200/1000, Nikon Coolpix 4500

You can take a look at the real relations
between the sizes of selected stars by clicking here.

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