SS Virginis (SS Vir) is a variable and carbon star located in the constellation Virgo, best viewed in springtime.
Astronomers classify SS Virginis as a Mira variable. This particular type of star pulsates by shining and dimming over a period that exceeds 100 days. It is named after the star in Cetus named Mira, which is the prototype of this type of star.
SS Virginis pulsates between a magnitude of 9.5 to 7.4 within a period of 361 days.1 This pretty orange-red star is also known as a carbon star, classified as a C6, 3e spectral type. Why, you may ask, is SS Virginis called a carbon star? In a nutshell, the star’s atmosphere has a higher concentration of carbon than oxygen, resulting in the reddish color we see.
My Observations
| Date | May 13, 2023 |
| Time | 10:30 p.m. |
| Location | Seattle, WA |
| Magnification | 169x |
| Scope | Meade 8″ SCT |
| Eyepiece | 12mm |
| Seeing | Average |
| Transparency | Average |
Some online articles classify SS Virginis as a dark red carbon star, while others describe it as orange-red. I agree with the latter. I expected the star to be a deep red, but it appears more orange-red this evening. Light pollution washes out nearby faint stars, but one brighter white star lies to the left of the scarlet star.
Key Stats
| Constellation | Virgo |
| Best Viewing | Spring |
| Visual Magnitude | +7.4 to +9.5 |
| Milky Way Location | Orion Spur |
| My Viewing Grade | B+ |
| Designations | SS Vir, HD 108105 |
Sources and Notes
The banner with a red star is based on an image in the public domain in the United States because it was solely created by NASA. View source file.
1SS Virginis. aavso. (n.d.). https://www.aavso.org/lcotw/ss-virginis
Sketch by Wayne McGraw
The Garden Astronomer 
