Constellation · Leo
Leo
The Lion
A zodiac constellation with a distinctive 'sickle' of stars that ends at Regulus. The Leonid meteors seem to radiate from near the sickle in November.
Magnitude 1.36
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (spring in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Named stars in Leo
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Regulus (Alpha Leonis)mag 1.36
- Algieba (Gamma¹ Leonis)mag 2.01
- Denebola (Beta Leonis)mag 2.14
- Zosma (Delta Leonis)mag 2.56
- Algenubi (Epsilon Leonis)mag 2.97
- Chertan (Theta Leonis)mag 3.33
Can you see Leo from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Leo |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
Questions about Leo
When is Leo best seen?
Leo stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in April. That makes spring evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Leo?
The brightest star in Leo is Regulus (Alpha Leonis), magnitude 1.36.
Where on Earth can you see Leo?
The whole of Leo can be seen from latitudes between about 57°S and 83°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Leo mean?
Leo is Latin for "the Lion". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).