Constellation · Lep
Lepus
The Hare
A small constellation lying at the feet of Orion.
Magnitude 2.58
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (winter 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 Lepus
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Arneb (Alpha Leporis)mag 2.58
- Nihal (Beta Leporis)mag 2.81
- Kursi al Jabbar (Gamma Leporis)mag 3.59
- Arsh al Jauzah (Delta Leporis)mag 3.76
Can you see Lepus 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 | Lepus |
|---|---|
| 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 | The whole constellation rises and sets |
Questions about Lepus
When is Lepus best seen?
Lepus stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in January. That makes winter evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Lepus?
The brightest star in Lepus is Arneb (Alpha Leporis), magnitude 2.58.
Where on Earth can you see Lepus?
The whole of Lepus can be seen from latitudes between about 90°S and 63°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Lepus mean?
Lepus is Latin for "the Hare". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).