description Porrima Overview
Porrima, formally Gamma Virginis, is a binary star system in the constellation Virgo about 38 light-years from Earth. It consists of two similar main-sequence stars that orbit a common center of mass in a highly elliptical orbit lasting roughly 169 years. Their changing angular separation has made the system a long-standing target for visual double-star observations and measurements of stellar orbits.
help Porrima FAQ
Is Porrima one star or a binary system?
Porrima, formally Gamma Virginis, is a gravitationally bound binary system. Its two components are nearly identical F-type main-sequence stars located about 38 light-years from Earth.
Can Porrima's two stars be separated with an amateur telescope?
They can be resolved when their apparent separation is wide enough and atmospheric seeing is steady. Because the orbit is highly elliptical, Porrima became difficult to split near its close approach but has since widened for amateur observers.
How long do the two stars of Porrima take to orbit each other?
The orbital period is roughly 169 years. That comparatively short period for a visual binary allows astronomers to observe meaningful orbital movement over a human lifetime.
Where can Porrima be found in the night sky?
Porrima lies in the constellation Virgo and carries the Bayer designation Gamma Virginis. It is bright enough to be seen with the unaided eye under ordinary dark-sky conditions.
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