Leo (constellation)

Infobox Constellation
name = Leo
abbreviation = Leo
genitive = Leonis
symbology = the Lion
RA = 11
dec= +15
areatotal = 947
arearank = 12th
numbermainstars = 9, 15
numberbfstars = 92
numberstarsplanets = 7
numberbrightstars = 3
numbernearbystars = 3
brighteststarname = Regulus (α Leo)
starmagnitude = 1.4
neareststarname = Wolf 359
stardistance = 7.78
numbermessierobjects = 5
meteorshowers =Leonids
bordering =Ursa Major
Leo Minor
Lynx (corner)
Cancer
Hydra
Sextans
Crater
Virgo
Coma Berenices
latmax = 90
latmin = 65
month = April
notes = |

Leo (pronEng|ˈliːoʊ, _la. lion, symbol to the east.

Notable deep sky objects

Leo contains many bright galaxies, of which Messier 65, Messier 66, Messier 95, and Messier 96 are the most famous, the first two being part of the Leo Triplet.

Mythology

In Greek mythology, it was identified as the Nemean Lion (and may have been a source of the tale) which was killed by Hercules during one of his twelve labours, and subsequently put into the sky.

Astrology

The Western astrological sign Leo of the tropical zodiac (July 23 – August 22) differs from the astronomical constellation and the Hindu astrological sign of the sidereal zodiac (August 10 – September 15).

Citations

References

*"Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning", by Richard Allen Hinckley, Dover. ISBN 0-486-21079-0
* Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). "Stars and Planets Guide", Collins, London. ISBN 978-0007251209. Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 978-0691135564.
*"Dictionary of Symbols", by Carl G. Liungman, W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-31236-4

External links

* [http://www.allthesky.com/constellations/leo/ The Deep Photographic Guide to the Constellations: Leo]
* [http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/leo.htm Star Tales – Leo]