Leo (lat. Leo) is a zodiacal constellation of the northern hemisphere of the sky, lying between Cancer and Virgo.

Short description

Full description

The constellation Leo belongs to the zodiac constellations. The ecliptic, along which the Sun “moves,” passes through it. This cluster of stars is located between Virgo and Cancer. The Big Dipper, the Little Lion, the Chalice and the Sextant also settled nearby. The arrangement of the brightest stars in the cluster is indeed somewhat reminiscent of a lying animal. In Ancient Greece, the lion represented strength and ferocity. At that distant time, there were a lot of these powerful predators on the Balkan Peninsula. Now almost all of them have been exterminated, and the pitiful remnants of Asiatic lions live only in the Girsky Nature Reserve (India). But then - not now.

One of these formidable predators was the Nemean lion. He lived in the mountains near the city of Nemea (Peloponnese) and terrified the surrounding area. No one could defeat the beast, but then Hercules appeared. He fearlessly fought the lion and strangled it with his own hands. To perpetuate this feat, Zeus laid out the stars in the sky in the form of a lion. Since that time, a cluster of stars has been shining on the celestial sphere, symbolizing the victory of the son of Zeus over the ferocious animal.

The brightest star in the constellation is the blue-white star Regulus

She is also one of the brightest stars in the night sky. It's just a stone's throw from the Earth. The distance is only about 78 light years. The star consists of 4 stars, which are combined into 2 pairs. One contains a blue-white Main Sequence star and a white dwarf. In the second pair, 2 dim Main Sequence stars coexist in harmony.

Regulus practically “lies” on the ecliptic, so it is often obscured by the Moon and less often by planets such as Venus and Mercury. The main blue-white star, which makes this system as bright as possible, exceeds the solar mass by 3.5 times, and is 160 times brighter than our star. The star has a flattened shape due to its very rapid rotation around its own axis. From Latin Regulus is translated as “little king,” and the Arabs called the luminary “Heart of the Lion.”

At the rear of the predator nestled in the night sky is Denebola star. The name translates from Arabic as “lion’s tail.” The luminary is considered the third brightest in the constellation. It belongs to the Main Sequence. Almost 2 times the mass of the Sun and 12 times brighter. It is separated from Earth by 36 light years. Denebola is a Delta Scuti variable star. Its brightness varies slightly over several hours.

On the lion's mane, when he turns his head, there is a golden yellow Algieba star. Translated, the name means “lion’s mane.” The luminary consists of 2 stars. The luminosity of the main component is 180 times greater than the Sun, and its diameter is 23 times greater. The second star shines 50 times brighter than the Sun, and its diameter is 10 times greater. They rotate around a common center with an orbital period of 500 years. They are 126 light years away from the blue planet.

There are also several other bright stars. Zeta Leo or Adhaphera is in a thick lion's mane. This is a giant white star, the brightness of which is 85 times greater than the sun. It is 3 times heavier than the Sun, and its radius is 6 times greater. It is located 274 light years from our planet.

One of the stars closest to Earth is Wolf (wolf) 359. This is a red dwarf. It is separated from the blue planet by 7.8 light years. It belongs to the so-called flaring variable stars. They are characterized by the fact that an unpredictable sharp increase in brightness can occur within a few minutes. The increase in brightness ranges from X-rays to radio waves. Outbreaks usually occur every few days. The star is relatively young. Its age does not exceed 1 billion years, and its luminosity is 100 thousand times less than the Sun.

The star is of great interest Kaffau or SDSS J102915+172927. They discovered it in the galactic halo. It is described in detail in the American magazine Nature, September 2011. The fact is that this star is 13 billion years old. It is one of the oldest stars in the Milky Way. Its mass is 0.8 solar. This cosmic body is deficient in carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and is completely devoid of lithium.

As we all know well, oxygen and carbon are of decisive importance in the formation of low-mass stars. Therefore, the very principles of the formation and existence of Kaffau are a mystery. The search for similar stars is currently underway. It is assumed that there could be from 5 to 50 of them in space.

Asterisms

In the constellation Leo there is an asterism called “Sickle”. It consists of six stars. Namely – α, η, γ, ζ, μ and ε. The shape of this asterism resembles a sickle, or a question mark. The point of this question mark is the brightest star of this constellation - Regulus.

The most interesting objects to observe in the constellation Leo

1. Spiral Galaxy M 65 (NGC 3623)

Spiral galaxy M 65- one of Leo triplet(Also M 66 And NGC 3628). As a rule, this trio of galaxies cannot be separated even when observed through a telescope. Often in astronomical sources you will come across exactly the name “Leo Triplet”. The entire system of galaxies is 35 million light years away from us.

M 65 has a magnitude of 9.3 m, a surface brightness of 12.7 m and angular apparent dimensions of 9.8′ × 2.9′. A very oblate and elongated galaxy. With a telescope with an aperture of up to 200 millimeters, you will be able to notice the concentrated bright core and the shape of the galaxy as a whole. In order to distinguish the spirals of the galaxy, you will need a telescope with a primary mirror diameter of 300+ millimeters.

2. Spiral Galaxy M 66 (NGC 3627)

Large galaxy M 66, belonging to the spiral type, is distant from us at a distance of 35 million light years. Its diameter is 100 thousand light years. The visible dimensions are 9.1′ × 4.1′, with a magnitude of 8.9 m and a surface brightness of 12.7 m. Despite the spirality of the galaxy, M 66 included in the atlas of peculiar galaxies. The galaxy has such an elongated and slightly flattened shape due to gravitational interaction with close neighbors in the cluster Leo triplet. In this cluster it is geographically located to the south of other galaxies.

3. Spiral Galaxy NGC 3628

The faintest, but at the same time the most beautiful galaxy NGC 3628 in the Leo Triplet cluster it has dimensions of 13.1′ × 3.1′, an apparent magnitude of 9.6 m and a surface brightness of 13.5 m. To discern the dark streak of dust “passing” through the galaxy, you will need a telescope with an aperture of 200 millimeters or more. The galaxy is visible edge-on, and upon careful detailed study, it will be possible to discern the deformation of the arms. This occurs due to the mutual gravitation of the three galaxies.

4. Spiral Galaxy M 95 (NGC 3351)

In 1781 the galaxy M 95 was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Mechain, and four days later included in his catalog by Charles Messier. Despite the convenient rotation of the deep relative to an observer from Earth, the angular dimensions of the galaxy are only 7.4′ × 5.0′, the apparent magnitude is slightly below 10 (9.8 m to be precise) and is distant from us at a distance of about 40 million light years. Along with at least three other deep-sky objects, M 95 is part of the local group of galaxies. In 2012 in M 95 discovered a supernova SN 2012aw.

5. Spiral Galaxy M 96 (NGC 3368)

Like the previous galaxy ( M 95) M 96 was discovered by Pierre Mechain in 1781. It is noteworthy that it is one of the first discovered spiral galaxies, and also the brightest in the local Leo I group. It has a brightness of 9.2 m and angular dimensions of 7.8′ × 5.2′. The distance to the galaxy ranges from 30 to 40 million light years. It was determined using Cepheid variable stars.

6. Elliptical Galaxy M 105 (NGC 3379)

M 105 (left), NGC 3384 (bottom) and NGC 3389 (right)M 105– elliptical galaxy of type E1. The Hubble orbital telescope discovered a giant object with a mass of about 50 million solar masses in the center of the galaxy. Supposedly this is a huge black hole. The brightness of the galaxy is 9.3 m, visible dimensions are 5.3′ × 4.8′.

On a clear night, a 10-inch telescope can see all three galaxies in the same field of view of the eyepiece. By the way, this galaxy was also not discovered by Messier and it was not even included in the second edition of his catalog. Only in 1947, the American astronomer Helen Hogg, after studying letters and notes, included the galaxy in the Messier catalog.

7. Elliptical Galaxy NGC 3384 (NGC 3371)

In the previous image, the bottom of the three galaxies is an elliptical galaxy NGC 3384. In the New General Catalog (NGC) it is recorded under two serial numbers: the second - 3371 . Visible angular dimensions are 5.4′ × 2.7′ and brightness is 9.9 m. More flattened and turned in spirals towards the observer.

Third galaxy ( NGC 3389) in the catalog is located under two numbers: second – 3373 . It has an apparent magnitude close to 12 and is not considered in detail within the framework of this review. Visible as a cloudy small oval speck in telescopes with an aperture of 250 millimeters or more.

8. Elliptical Galaxy NGC 3377

Another small, but with a rich core elliptical galaxy in the constellation Leo - NGC 3377. In the Hubble sequence it is of type E5, that is, it has a highly flattened shape at the poles. Visible angular dimensions are 5.0′ × 3.0′ and brightness is 10.2 m.

9. Lenticular Galaxy NGC 3412

If you remember, lenticular (SB0) is a type of spiral galaxy in which the branches are very poorly defined and have a bright, saturated core. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a normal photo on the Internet. Visible angular dimensions NGC 3412– 3.7′ × 2.2′, and brightness – 10.4 m (in some places reduced to 10.9 m).

10. Lenticular galaxy NGC 3489

And another spiral galaxy of type SB0 NGC 3489 deviated slightly from the group of previous galaxies and is not connected with them by any gravitational forces. This is a single deep-sky object, the search for which can be started from different reference stars. Or from a star κ Leo, which I wrote about earlier, or start on the other side of the brighter star Sheratan ( ΘLeo), whose magnitude is 3.5 m.

11. Spiral Galaxy NGC 2903

In the head of Leo, not far from the star Alterf ( λLeo) hidden amazing spiral galaxy NGC 2903. The galaxy is notable for the fact that at the edges of the “arms” active star formation is in full swing. Scientists managed to isolate one of the star formation regions, which is located at the northern end of the bridge, and add it to the catalog under the serial number NGC 2305. The apparent magnitude (8.8 m) allows you to notice the deep sky object even in an amateur semi-professional 150 mm telescope. By the way, some details of the branches and the heterogeneity of the galactic core can be discerned already in a telescope with a main mirror diameter of 250 millimeters. The apparent dimensions of the galaxy are 12.6′ × 6.0′ – so it seems to “stand on its feet,” that is, it is elongated vertically relative to the observer.

It is located at a distance of just over 30 million light years from us and has been studied quite well by astronomers using the Hubble telescope. But we can find it by plotting a route from the star Algenubi ( εLeo) and turning the telescope tube towards the star Alterf, and then a little lower.

12. Pair of galaxies NGC 3226 and NGC 3227

The Hubble telescope captured a fantastic image of a pair of interacting galaxies. Interestingly, NGC 3226 is an elliptical galaxy (E2), and NGC 3227 is a barred spiral galaxy. The latter is more massive and, with time, will completely absorb its neighbor and form a new large galaxy. Only this will happen in hundreds of millions of years. The total brightness of the galaxies is close to magnitude 11, and in addition to a powerful telescope, you will need a clear moonless night and the ability to distinguish barely noticeable dark-light irregularities against the background of space.

13. Elliptical galaxy NGC 3640

A very small (4.0′ × 3.2′) and faint (apparent magnitude 10.3 m) elliptical galaxy NGC 3640 hid in the southern part of the constellation among several stars of 6-8 magnitude. Nearest bright star τ Leo(4.95 m). If you can spot it in the finder, it will be an excellent start on the path to the desired galaxy.

14. Spiral Galaxy NGC 3521

Fantastically attractive barred spiral galaxy NGC 3521, same as the previous one NGC 3640 located in the south of the constellation Leo. On the star map, I marked a short route from the star with green landmarks. ρ 2 Leo.

The apparent magnitude is 9.2m, and the angular dimensions are 11.2′ × 5.4′. Due to its large size, it has a low surface brightness (13.5 m). However, you can find the galaxy and even notice some dark-light irregularities with a 150-mm telescope.

Compared to other images of galaxies, the image NGC 3521 Many times superior in detail and quality. In 2015, the Hubble Space Telescope updated the previous image, dated 2011, and the following image can now be found in astronomical sources:

15. Elliptical galaxy NGC 3607

Triplet of elliptical galaxies NGC 3605, 3607 , 3608 is not gravitationally bound in any way. Only optically it seems that they are nearby and experience mutual attraction. In fact, only one of the three - NGC 3607– has a brightness below magnitude 11 (10.0 m), the rest, even “at the glitch level,” will be extremely difficult to notice. By the way, there is another galaxy nearby - a spiral galaxy NGC 3626 or in the Caldwell catalog C 40, but its brightness also exceeds 11 m.

How to find the constellation Leo in the sky?

The constellation is clearly visible throughout Russia. Finding the constellation is quite simple; it stands out in the sky with its bright star Regulus, located next to the ecliptic. The brightest stars of the constellation form a trapezoid.

East of Leo is the constellation Virgo. Star Spica (A Virgo) is also located next to the ecliptic and together with Arcturus (A Bootes) forms a well-known asterism – "spring triangle". North of Leo is located "ladle" Ursa Major.

The best conditions for observations are in February and March. The sun enters the constellation 10th of August.

Constellation in different cultures

It is considered one of the oldest celestial constellations. Archaeological evidence proves that a constellation similar to Leo was found in Mesopotamia back in 4000 BC. The Persians called it Shir (Sher), the Babylonians - UR.GU.LA ("great lion"), the Syrians - Arya, and the Turks - Artan.

In Babylon they also knew about the star Regulus, about which they said: “the one that stands at the lion’s chest” or “the star of the king.” The constellation and brightest star have been noted in many cultures.

The Greeks saw him as the Nemean Lion, who was killed by Hercules. This story served as the first feat. Erastophenes and Hyginus wrote that the lion was placed in heaven because it is the king of beasts. In the sky you can see 6 bright stars in the shape of a sickle, displaying a lion's head. The brightest - Regulus marks the heart, Danebola - the end of the tail, Algieba - the neck (although the name translates as “forehead”), and Zosma - the rump.

Greek myth

Greek mythology connects the constellation Leo with the monstrous Nemean Lion and with one of the labors of Hercules.

Having defeated the titans, Zeus overthrew them into gloomy Tartarus. At the huge gates of Tartarus, the hundred-armed Hekaton-Heirs vigilantly guarded the terrible enemies. The Titans have forever lost their power over the world. But Zeus’s struggle for power over Heaven and Earth did not end there. He still had to defeat the last enemy - Typhon, who inspired terror in everyone and was the cause of many disasters on Earth.

When Gaia (Earth) found out how cruelly Zeus treated her children - the Titans, she married the gloomy Tartarus and gave birth to the terrible hundred-headed monster Typhon - a creature with a hundred dragon heads, continuously spewing tongues of flame in all directions.

As soon as Typhon rose from the bowels of the Earth, the whole Earth shook from its weight. The deafening roar of angry bulls and lions, the barking of dogs and the terrifying hissing of snakes echoed far across the Earth, and the flames emitted by the heads of the dragon burned everything around. Horror gripped people and animals, and even the gods were afraid. The earth was burning, and everything was melting from the hellish heat. Violent flames swirled around Typhon. Only Zeus was not afraid. He boldly opposed Typhon, showered him with lightning and deafened him with peals of thunder. Earth and Sky merged into a continuous fire, it seemed that even the air was burning. Zeus' lightning turned everything into ashes. Zeus incinerated all one hundred heads of Typhon, and he collapsed to the Earth like a huge rock. Such heat emanated from his body that everything around him melted, and the Earth itself almost turned into a river of fire.

Wasting no time, Zeus grabbed the huge body of Typhon and threw him into the depths of the gloomy Tartarus, which gave birth to this monster. Typhon remained there forever. But even in Tartarus, Typhon also threatens the gods and strikes terror into people, causing terrible hurricanes that sweep away everything in its path. The fire of Typhon passes through the thickness of the mountains, and then rivers of fire flow along their slopes. But the worst thing happened when Typhon married Echidna. They gave birth to terrible monsters - the two-headed dog Ortho, the three-headed dog Kerberus with a snake tail, the Lernaean Hydra, the Nemean Lion, etc. Some monsters rose to Earth and caused terrible disasters and terrible suffering to people.

Typhon and Echidna (half-woman, half-snake) left their brainchild - a huge lion - in the mountains, not far from the city of Nemea (hence its name - the Nemean Lion). With a terrible roar, he rampaged around the city and devastated everything around. Horror gripped people and animals when they heard this roar. The people did not dare to leave their homes, hunger set in, and illness began. Weeping and wailing were heard in Nemea. No one could save people from the unbearable disaster that all of Greece was talking about. King Eurystheus instructed Hercules to kill the Nemean lion and bring his corpse to Mycenae.

Hercules immediately set off. In Nemea he saw a devastated, scorched land. All living things hid in their homes. No one could even tell him where the terrible lion’s den was located.

All day long Hercules wandered along the wooded slopes of the mountains, but nowhere could he find the monstrous lion. The sun was already setting and it was getting dark. And then Hercules heard the terrifying roar of the lion, who woke up and waited for complete darkness to start hunting...

In several giant leaps, Hercules reached the lion's den, which was a huge cave with two exits. In front of one of the exits, Hercules piled up huge stones, and he hid at the second exit and prepared a bow and arrows. A little time passed, and a giant lion appeared from the cave with a roar. Hercules showered him with arrows, but none of them even wounded the monster - the arrows bounced off the lion, whose skin was harder than iron. Hercules did not know that the Nemean Lion was invulnerable to weapons. When Hercules saw that the arrows were bouncing off the lion, he threw away his bow and attacked the lion with a club. With one powerful blow to the head, Hercules stunned him, then grabbed him by the neck with his powerful hands and squeezed so hard that he strangled the lion.

Having shouldered a huge beast, Hercules went to Nemea. There he made a sacrifice to Zeus and established the Nemean Games in memory of his first feat, during which wars ceased throughout Greece and universal peace reigned.

Hercules carried the lion to Mycenae. When Eurystheus saw the monster, he was so afraid of the strength and power of Hercules that he forbade him to approach Mycenae, and ordered evidence of the fulfillment of his further orders to be shown at the city walls.55

The great thunderer Zeus turned the Nemean Lion into a constellation and left it shining in the sky to remind people of the feat of his son Hercules, who saved people from this terrible disaster.

"Two stars located in the head of Leo act in a manner similar to Saturn and, to a lesser extent, like Mars; three in the throat region are similar to Saturn and, to a lesser extent, Mercury; a bright star in the region of the heart, which is called Regulus, is similar to Mars and Jupiter; the stars in the back and the bright star on the tail act like Saturn and Venus; the stars in the hip area act like Venus and to a lesser extent Mercury..." (Fig. 5)

Claudius Ptolemy - On the influence of the stars - "Mathematical treatise in four parts"

“The constellation Leo is the first article in the “Constellations” publication series, started at the request of a person teaching astronomy at school (Forum).
“Astronomy is currently not a compulsory subject and is taught optionally...”

Sergey Ov

Fig.1 Constellation Leo ♌ (Leo), diagram

Constellation Leo ( ♌, Leo) is the third largest constellation of the zodiac group, in addition, Leo ranks 12th in terms of angular area among all constellations of the celestial sphere (nebosphere) and 5th among the constellations of the Northern Hemisphere. The lines of the celestial equator and ecliptic pass through the constellation, with most of the constellation Leo located above (north) of these lines. The constellation Leo is very easy to find, since directly above it is the Big Dipper, to the right is the constellation Virgo, to the left is Cancer, below is the Sextant and the Chalice.
Currently, the Sun passes through the constellation Leo from August 11 to September 17 and, accordingly, the best viewing conditions occur from February 9 to March 18 (Leo culminates at midnight).

Stars and outline diagram of the constellation Leo

The constellation Leo is perhaps the most prominent zodiacal constellation in our northern sky. In the constellation, there are as many as five stars brighter than the third magnitude - this is (Fig. 4) alpha Leo (α Leo) Regulus, double γ Leo Aljeba, β Leo Denebola And Zosma(δ Leo) with ε Leo Algenubi(Fig. 2).

Sergey Ov

Fig.2 Constellation Leo. The seven brightest stars. Lilac line - asterism "Sickle" and the symbol of Leo

As you can see, the figure shows the names of seven stars - the stars Subra (ο Leo) and Shir (ρ Leo) are added, not the brightest, but important for constructing the constellation diagram (Fig. 3).
It is noteworthy that the brightest star Regulus (α Leo) is located almost on the ecliptic line (deviation of only 27" minutes), the deviation from the ecliptic of the star ρ-Leo Shir is 8" minutes.
To construct our own version of a schematic outline drawing of the constellation Leo, we use almost the same stars as in traditional diagrams, but from our outline we can clearly imagine a reclining lion:

Fig.3 Diagram of the constellation Leo. Our own version of the star chart (outline image) of Leo.
Chart outline by stars:
Aljeba γ Leo (γ Leo) - Shir ρ Leo (ρ Leo) - Subra ο Leo (ο Leo) - Regulus α Leo (α Leo) - Al Jabah η Leo (η Leo) - Algenubi ε Leo (ε Leo) - Alterf λ Leo (λ Leo) - κ Leo (κ Leo) - Rasalas μ Leo (μ Leo) - Aldhafera ζ Leo (ζ Leo) - Zosma δ Leo (δ Leo) - Denebola β Leo (β Leo) - Tse Tseang ι Leo (ι Leo) - Shir ρ Leo (ρ Leo) - Shertan θ Leo (θ Leo) - Zosma δ Leo (δ Leo).
If desired, it is not forbidden to “complete” the Lion’s tail (you can see it if you move the cursor):
Denebola β Leo (β Leo) - σ Leo (σ Leo) - Shir ρ Leo (ρ Leo).

We inherited the modern boundaries of the constellation Leo from the ancient Greeks. But at all times, regardless of traditions, within this constellation people have identified a characteristic sickle pattern, which is now called the “Sickle asterism.” This asterism deserves a separate image (Fig. 5). All, even not very bright stars included in the sickle asterism have their own names, and received from different peoples - this is a chain of stars (starting from the handle and ending with the tip of the sickle): Regulus, Al Jabah (η Leo), Aljeba, Aldhafera (ζ Leo) , Rasalas (μ Leo, Ras Elased Borealis) and Algenubi ( Ras Elased Australis). You can see a list of more than 120 Leo stars by calling.

Fig.4 Asterism Sickle in the constellation Leo. List of stars of the Sickle asterism

After the contours and brightest stars of the constellation have been studied to the point of automatic recognition, you can begin to search for the constellation Leo directly in the starry sky.

How to find the constellation Leo

If you are looking for the constellation Leo for the first time, you can find it in two ways: either wait until the Moon approaches it and points to the constellation (); or find it based on a well-known non-setting constellation. In our case, it will be the Big Dipper (Fig. 5).
If you look at the Big Dipper and imagine how water begins to pour out from its far edge...
This water will pour right onto the lion's scruff!

Fig.5 How to find the constellation Leo? - Very simple! Leo is located under the Big Dipper

In such a position as in Fig. 5, the constellations Leo and Ursa Major line up around midnight due south at the end of winter. I believe that the drawing does not require further explanation (otherwise, write to the forum)

History and mythology of the constellation Leo

The ancient Egyptians, when constructing figurative drawings of the starry sky, endowed almost all of their celestial beings with wings; in addition, among them it was impossible to find creatures similar to those on earth; if a celestial being had a human body, then his head must have come from some noble animal, or vice versa , as in the case of the Sphinx. It is not known for certain what pictures the imagination of the ancient Egyptians painted in the starry sky at the time of the creation of the Great Sphinx, but it is quite possible that its image was created on the basis of the stars of the modern constellation Leo; this could be confirmed, for example, by the discovery of places where wooden wings were attached...

Fig.5 Constellation Leo and Great Sphinx. To find out more about the oddities in the proportions of the Great Sphinx, click on the picture

Why does the Great Sphinx have such strange proportions?

In the presented figure, the answer is clear without words: The outline drawing of the modern constellation Leo + another star fits perfectly on the outline of the Great Sphinx

Sergey Ov

Collage. Constellation Leo and Great Sphinx

Note: The sages of Ancient Egypt did not know how modern “learned men and wives of astronomy” would divide the sky into constellations and imagined the star pattern in their own way, so the Sphinx’s paws end on the star Acubens from the modern constellation Cancer (Alpha Cancer, lat. α Cnc)

By inheritance from the ancient Greeks, in addition to the boundaries of the constellation Leo, we also inherited a myth about its origin. According to Greek mythology, the first labor of Hercules is immortalized in the constellation Leo. The lion goes to heaven as a result of the victory of Hercules over the monster in the form of a lion, which devastated the entire province of Nemea (hence the aphorism - “The Nemean Lion”). Claudius Ptolemy in his star catalog tries to follow tradition and refers to the constellation Leo the stars that create the image of a lion in the ideas of his time. Subsequently, Jan Hevelius, in his atlas “Uranography,” tries to follow Ptolemy’s descriptions as accurately as possible; unfortunately, the original atlas was created in the projection of a “divine gaze” - as if you were looking at the celestial sphere from the outside. In order for the picture to correspond to the “earthly” appearance of the constellation Leo, and also to highlight the stars, the collage offered to your attention was created:

Rice. 6 Constellation Leo - a collage based on a drawing in the atlas of Jan Hevelius (only those stars that were included in the atlas by Hevelius himself are highlighted)

Sergey Ov(Seosnews9)

Based on the materials of the article:

List of notable and visible stars in the constellation Leo

Notes:
1. To designate stars, Bayer's signs (ε Leo), as well as Flamsteed's numbering (54 Leo) and Draper's catalog (HD 94402) are used.
2. Remarkable stars include even those that are not visible without the help of optics, but in which planets or other features have been discovered.

is the second fire sign of the Zodiac, ruled by the Sun. Leos strive for power, for leadership, for subordinating everyone to their will. They are excessively proud, ambitious and, having achieved their goal, become condescending and arrogant. Astrologers call the constellation Leo a royal sign, believing that people born under this sign are distinguished by courage, ability to manage people, nobility, dignity and love of regalia. However, in the modern world, which has destroyed the rule of kings, Leos do not achieve the prestigious positions in society that they achieved before.

Now they cannot even climb the career ladder, because stronger and more competitive colleagues constantly meet on their way. Modern society has virtually exterminated lions - they were caught in traps and killed. Today, people born under other constellations often show similar attitudes towards Leo.

Ruling planet- Sun.
Element- Fire.
Colors- purple, gold, orange, scarlet, black (white is unlucky)
Stones— amber, peridot, topaz, ruby, onyx, diamond, esmerald
Flowers- peonies, marigolds, gladioli, chrysanthemums
Metal- gold
Favorable numbers — 1, 5, 9, 11
Happy Days- Sunday
Bad days- Saturday
Climate- warm or tropical is especially favorable for Leo. Leos cannot stand rural and provincial life, preferring to live in large central cities.
Professions- public relations, theater, politics, administrative positions.
Famous people born under the sign of Leo: Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Margaret, B. Shaw, Shelley, Napoleon, Mussolini, Hitchcock.
Physical Features: usually tall, big-boned, with the head set proudly on a sinewy neck. Wide forehead, sparkling eyes, power-hungry gaze, sensual mouth.

Creativity and career

Leos are prone to a dramatic perception of life, and this is probably why among those born under this sign, astrologers find those who have connected their lives with the performing arts. There are many actors, directors, producers, and theater administrators among Leos. Leos are good at navigating situations where they need to “show off the goods.” They are especially good at window dressing, modeling and cooking.

Leos are prone to amateurish activities, and therefore, despite their talents and hard work, they sometimes do not achieve their goals. For Leo, it is necessary to combine his creative profession with practical activities. Often Leos, especially women, prefer to work at home. But in order to succeed at work at home, people born under the constellation Leo need to feel the presence of someone who inspires them to be creative. And yet, domestic work will never satisfy Leo's ambitions, since he sees his destiny in ruling the world, not a modest home. Leos know the taste of real power and strength, and that is why they crave fame so impatiently. Many born under this sign satisfy their ambitions in administrative work. Being a boss and subjugating people is more important for Leo than benefiting society.

Business

Leos do not love money itself, but a luxurious life on a royal scale. When making purchases, they do not want to know what and how the money was spent. They just love to spend it, and every new purchase saves them from another attack of hysteria or depression. Spending money for Leos is the same drug that satisfies their need for a prestigious lifestyle and inaccessible pleasures.

Leos often imitate those who have achieved fame and power, and this is especially true for investments that Leos make by imitating the behavior of some banker or business owner they know. But, as usual, people in this circle do not share the secrets of their investments and stock exchange manipulations, leaving Leo, for whom business is nothing more than a social game, with nothing.

Astrologers do not advise people born under the constellation Leo to invest money collected through savings and savings in business ventures. The surest investments for Leo are real estate and savings programs that give a small but solid percentage.

Astrologers joke that in business, as well as in life in general, those born under the constellation Leo are able to find no less number of partners and friends than the Chinese in China... Leo starts a business with one partner, but gradually, losing control over what is happening, witnesses that his business already includes at least five partners. Leo's social life, sociability and friendships run counter to business contacts and the interests of the business itself. When Leo comes to his senses and begins to understand that the time has come to come to his senses, turn off the phone, lock all the doors and hire a good lawyer, sometimes it is already too late to prevent bankruptcy.

Health

The energy of the Sun, the planet that rules the constellation Leo, endowed people of this sign with vitality and love of life, which they sometimes abuse.

It is interesting that the strength of Leo lies precisely in their weakness and vulnerability - otherwise they would go to extremes.

Due to constant overload, Leos suffer from heart disease. At a more mature age, they are prone to severe heart disease, seizures and heart attacks. Leos need to accustom themselves to a relaxed state in order to avoid tension and stress.

By nature, Leos are strong and healthy people. They rarely get sick and most often die suddenly.

Love and sex

Leos love to love and fall in love, and these dramatic natures cannot imagine life without the thrill of love. Love for them is most often a dramatic situation: a unique first love, an unforgettable last love... Moreover, Leos like the romance of love itself. They are not so much looking for a way out of their loneliness and feelings of insecurity in love as they are playing out their love drama in life.

In love, Leo, like no other sign of the Zodiac, shows his “I”. He asserts himself in the world through love, afraid to admit that in fact he is tormented by self-doubt, in his strength and ability to power. Leo men never show that they too are characterized by mental anguish and suffering: they believe that a sign of “masculine” behavior is orders, rude shouts and unlimited power over people.

Leo women love light flirting and coquetry. They are rarely possessed by strong, deep feelings. Even with the most luxurious lovers, they feel lonely, compensating for their emotional inferiority with the pursuit of fame and prestige.

In marriage, Leos, like no other sign of the Zodiac, show emotional and mental immaturity. They know how and love to take, but do not understand the pleasure that a person receives from what he gives, from the feeling of reciprocity and overcoming selfish instincts.

For Leos, for whom love is most often a form of self-affirmation and public recognition, the erotic sphere is underdeveloped. Women born under this sign often hide their frigidity, and men can be reserved and reserved, like people of the Victorian era.

At the same time, all Leos demand royal respect in love, marriage and sex.

How do you like it together...

People born under the constellation Leo are usually compatible with people born under the constellations Libra, Sagittarius, Aries and Gemini, especially in marriage and business unions. Those born under the constellation Leo show particular incompatibility with people born under the signs of Scorpio, Taurus and Aquarius.

• Leo with Aries- beautiful couple. Aries loves to be dominated.
• Leo with Taurus- relationships are full of conflicts and contradictions.
• Leo with Gemini- sympathy and mutual understanding.
• Leo with Cancer- opposite characters.
• Leo with Leo- both strive for power, and this becomes the basis for conflicts.
• Leo with Virgo- most often the relationship is uneven, but there is the possibility of mutual cooperation.
• Leo with Libra— mutual understanding based on the love of social life and entertainment.
• Leo with Scorpio- both are eager to rule, and neither can yield.
• Leo with Sagittarius- mutual understanding and good sexual compatibility.
• Leo with Capricorn- rivalry, different approaches to problems, but despite this, mutual understanding and even friendship.
• Leo with Aquarius- with dissimilar characters, cooperation and mutual understanding are possible.
• Leo with Pisces— lack of mutual understanding and acute ideological conflicts.

Next to the constellation Leo are the constellations Sextant, Leo Minor, Coma Berenices, Ursa Major, Virgo, Chalice, Lynx, Hydra and Cancer. Zodiac sign constellation Leo located in the northern part of the starry sky. The very location of the constellation speaks of the endurance and inner core of people born under this sign.

On the vault of the starry sky, this constellation is recognizable by its pronounced asterism - “Sickle”. It is composed of stars: Regulus, Algieba and Algenubi. All the stars of the “sickle” are the brightest, so they are clearly visible.

Astrologer's advice: By looking at the planets and stars in the dead of night, it is quite possible to obtain the correct solution for various problems, although without having additional knowledge. Take advantage of this opportunity in deadlock situations.

Also in constellation of the zodiac sign Leo Five brightest stars can be identified:

• • Regulus - included in the belt of the lion's forelimbs, is a symbol of speed and endurance.
  • Algieba is the base of the lion’s neck, connecting a strong, physically developed body and a wise, clear head.
  • Denebola - associated with the tail of the lion, one of the terminal stars of the constellation.
  • Zosma - symbolizes the strong back of the lion’s body: powerful legs and back.
  • Algenubi - symbolizes the face and mouth of a lion, ready to attack.

The best time of year to observe the constellation Leo in all its glory is the end of February, the entire month of March and the beginning of April. If you were born between July 23 and August 23, then your zodiac sign is Leo. And the stars symbolizing the characteristics described above apply to you.

Talking about constellation of the zodiac sign Leo, it is impossible to remain silent about the constellation Leo Minor. The constellation is positioned as if the Lion Cub is lying on the “big” Leo. This arrangement of constellations speaks of the devotion and fidelity of the Leo sign, especially to its family and close people.

Patrons of the sign:

• The planet of the sign is the Sun (symbol of royalty and greatness)
• The stones are amber and ruby ​​(the first stone is a symbol of the golden fur of a lion and the versatility of Leo people, the second - luxury and exclusivity)
• Natural element – ​​fire (determines the sign’s temperament, as well as ideologicalness and determination)

A little about Leos:

Those who were lucky enough to be born under constellation Leo, have a number of exceptional qualities. Leos are maximalists. That is why internal qualities are always either absolutely excellent - they make people admire and bow their heads before the “king of beasts”, or are so unbearable that people are simply not able to be near Leo; There can be many reasons for this behavior of others, but the most common is envy. Leos are vain and selfish by nature and always love to be the center of attention. Such people need a “big” life in a metropolis: constant meetings with friends and parties. Leos simply cannot exist in a small world, although this does not detract from the importance of family and loved ones in their lives.

Astrologer's advice: If you want to understand and better understand the character and characteristics of a zodiac sign, you need to get to know it from different sides and the category will help you with this.

The love of giving advice is another characteristic feature of Leos. In disputes they always consider themselves to be right and most often do not accept any criticism addressed to them. All the traits of Leo literally indicate that such people are careerists and workaholics in life. It is so important for Leos to choose a profession they like. It is better that the work is connected with people. Leos quickly earn the respect and authority of their superiors, and they themselves often become “big bosses.”

Most constellations are nothing like what their names indicate. In the constellation Pegasus, for example, it is difficult to recognize the legendary winged horse, and in the constellation Lynx - a forest predator.

Another thing is Leo. You just need a little imagination to find and recognize the king of beasts in the pattern of its brightest stars. The figure of this constellation is so simple and expressive that it is instantly memorable. Therefore, Leo is often used to search for neighboring constellations, which are not nearly as expressive.

But how to find the constellation Leo in the starry sky?

First let's agree When we will look for him. Let's look in the evening, because it is easier to do it in the evening than at night or early in the morning (at night we usually already sleep, and in the morning we rush to study or work).

In the evenings, the constellation Leo can be observed starting in February. At this time, Leo rises in the east just after dusk, and is observed in the southeast late in the evening.

On February evenings, the constellation Leo rises late in the evening in the east. Pattern: Stellarium

A special sign by which you can immediately distinguish Leo from other constellations is large trapezoid of four stars. In size it is almost equal to the Big Dipper, and the brightness of the stars of these two celestial figures is quite comparable. The brightest star of the Leo Trapezium is in its lower right corner. This Regulus, the main star of the constellation and the twentieth brightest star in the entire night sky.

You don’t need any special landmarks to find the trapezoid - it will immediately catch your eye, you just have to look in the right direction! As I already said, in February the trapezoid is visible in the evenings in the east and southeast, but - pay attention! - in an inclined position.

The constellation Leo is in the southeast in the evening sky in March. Pattern: Stellarium

The most convenient time to observe the constellation Leo is spring, especially its first half. In March, with the onset of twilight, the constellation Leo appears in the southeast, being quite high in the sky - halfway between the horizon and the zenith.

Even higher, the constellation Leo is observed on April evenings. At this time, it is observed in the south and is the rightful master of the spring sky, since the constellations surrounding it are very dim. Only two stars - Arcturus and Spica - are brighter than Regulus in the spring sky. But the constellations of these stars - Bootes and Virgo - are rather indistinct. Leo's trapezium is visible in a horizontal position in April, so finding it in the sky is quite easy.

By the way, if you still doubt that you can independently detect the constellation Leo in the sky, keep a guideline: Leo is located under the bucket of the Big Dipper! Keeping this in mind, you will quickly find the constellation Leo at any time of the day or year, as long as it is above the horizon at that moment.

In spring, the Big Dipper is almost at the zenith, and the constellation Leo is below it in the southern sky. Pattern: Stellarium

It gets dark late in May; The constellation Leo appears in the southwest in the evenings and spends only a few hours in the sky before setting below the horizon.

And here you can ask: why was the constellation Leo named after the king of beasts, and not just Trapezium?

When you find the constellation Leo in the sky, take a closer look at it. Above the right edge of the trapezoid, you will probably notice three more stars, which, together with Regulus and the star of Algieb (top right in the trapezoid), form a figure similar to a question mark looking in the other direction. This design has long been popularly called the Sickle for its resemblance to an ancient peasant tool.

Asterism Leo's Sickle. The handle of the sickle is marked by Regulus, and the stars Algieba, Adhafera, Rasalas and epsilon Leo mark the sickle itself. On ancient maps here the front legs, chest and head of a lying predator were depicted. Pattern: Stellarium

But in this figure you can also see the chest and head of the Lion! It seems that the predator is lying with its head raised and looking somewhere into the distance to the west.

By the way, on a dark and transparent night you can see in the sky lion tail. But we’ll talk about this star pattern later.

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