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Sky-Tonight.com / Constellations / Leo
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Observation Settings

Or select it on the map:
This Earth map fragment is intended to illustrate celestial motion across the sky, emphasizing both bearing and elevational perspectives. The map's center point corresponds to the transit, showcasing celestial objects at their highest point, while elevation gradually decreases towards the map edges. This dynamic representation offers insights into the changing positions of celestial bodies with a focus on their bearing and elevational trajectories.
Your location: Columbus, United States
Timezone:
Latitude:
39.9625
Longitude:
-83.0061

Leo Constellation

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Leo, the lion, is a zodiac constellation best known for its bright star Regulus and its distinctive backward question mark or sickle shape.

Leo (The Lion)

Leo is one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky and one of the 13 ecliptic constellations. Representing a lion, Leo is prominent due to its distinctive shape and its association with several bright stars and fascinating celestial objects. It has been a symbol of strength and royalty throughout history.

Key Features

  • Bright Stars: Leo contains several prominent stars that outline the shape of a lion:
    • Regulus: The brightest star in Leo, a blue-white main-sequence star, often called the "Heart of the Lion." It is located about 79 light-years away.
    • Denebola: The second brightest star, marking the lion's tail. It is a white main-sequence star located about 36 light-years away.
    • Algieba: A binary star system that forms part of the lion's mane, consisting of two orange giants.
    • Zosma: A white star located along the lion’s back.
  • Deep-Sky Objects: Leo is rich in galaxies and clusters:
    • Leo Triplet: A group of three spiral galaxies (M65, M66, and NGC 3628) visible in small telescopes.
    • Messier 95 (M95): A barred spiral galaxy located near the center of Leo.
    • Messier 96 (M96): Another spiral galaxy slightly brighter than M95.
    • Messier 105 (M105): An elliptical galaxy accompanied by several smaller galaxies.

Mythological Background

In Greek mythology, Leo represents the Nemean Lion, a fearsome beast with an impenetrable hide. The lion was defeated by Heracles as the first of his Twelve Labors. After slaying the lion, Heracles used its skin as armor, and the lion was placed in the sky by Zeus to commemorate his triumph.

Leo has also been recognized in Babylonian and Egyptian cultures, where it symbolized power and was associated with the Sun during its highest point in the sky.

Cultural Significance

Leo’s bright stars and prominent position along the ecliptic have made it a key constellation for tracking celestial events. Its association with royalty and strength has been reflected in various cultures, and its shape has been easily identifiable since ancient times. During spring in the Northern Hemisphere, Leo dominates the evening sky, making it a favorite for observers.

Leo Rise and Set Timetable

TimeElevation
Moon Rise, 4.8% illuminated04:39-16°
Moon Set19:3364°
Leo Transit20:0865°
Sunset20:4864°
Civil sunset21:2161°
Astrosession begin22:0055°
Leo Set03:00
Astrosession end04:57-19°
Leo Rise13:13

Track Leo Position Throughout the Night

← Mon, 26 May 2025 →

Elevation (degrees)
Time
Altitude
Azimuth
Shift the map to change the time and observe Leo changing position in the night sky.

Annual motion of Leo

Time
DateMon, 26 May 2025
Twighlight start22:41
Twighlight end04:07
Twighlight duration5h 26m
Rise13:13
Set02:56
Elevation at transit65°
Transit time20:04
Equatorial coordinatesRA: 10h 51m 55s", Dec: 15° 09' 10s
Magnitude-
Constellation
The graph illustrates the annual visibility pattern of a Leo, providing a comprehensive overview of its daily appearances and transit times throughout the year.
The graph is structured with the vertical axis showing the hours of the day, ranging from 12 AM to 12 AM the next day, while the horizontal axis spans each day of the year.
The reddish shaded area indicates the periods when the Leo is above the horizon, visible to observers. The white line marks the times when the celestial object reaches its highest point in the sky each day, known as the transit.

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for defining and standardizing the official constellation boundaries, which provide a consistent framework for celestial mapping.

Special thanks to Sky & Telescope Magazine and contributors Roger Sinnott and Rick Fienberg for their collaboration in producing the charts and tables. The constellation patterns, drawn by Alan MacRobert, were influenced by the work of H. A. Rey and thoughtfully adjusted to align with earlier traditions.