Constellation · LMi
Leo Minor
The Lesser Lion
A small, faint constellation squeezed between Ursa Major and Leo.
Magnitude 3.79
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 Minor
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Praecipuamag 3.79
Can you see Leo Minor 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 Minor |
|---|---|
| 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 Minor
When is Leo Minor best seen?
Leo Minor 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 Minor?
The brightest star in Leo Minor is Praecipua, magnitude 3.79.
Where on Earth can you see Leo Minor?
The whole of Leo Minor can be seen from latitudes between about 49°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Leo Minor mean?
Leo Minor is Latin for "the Lesser Lion". Introduced by Johannes Hevelius in the late 1600s.