Lepus (constellation)

Infobox Constellation
name = Lepus
abbreviation = Lep
genitive = Leporis
symbology = the Hare
RA = 6
dec= −20
areatotal = 290
arearank = 51st
numbermainstars = 8
numberbfstars = 20
numberstarsplanets = 1
numberbrightstars = 2
numbernearbystars = 3
brighteststarname = α Lep (Arneb)
starmagnitude = 2.58
neareststarname = Gl 229
stardistance = 19
numbermessierobjects = 1
meteorshowers = None
bordering =Orion
Monoceros
Canis Major
Columba
Caelum
Eridanus
latmax = 63
latmin = 90
month = January
notes=

Lepus (pronEng|ˈlɛpəs/, /ˈliːpəs, _la. hare) is a constellation, lying just south of the Celestial equator, below the constellation Orion, and possibly representing a hare being chased by Orion the hunter. Lepus was one of Ptolemy's 48 constellations, and counts also among the 88 modern constellations.

This constellation should not be confused with "Lupus".

Notable deep sky objects

There is one Messier Object in Lepus which is M79. This is a faint globular cluster with a magnitude of around +8.56

Mythology

In mythology, Lepus, the hare, is hunted by Orion.

Named Stars

* Bayer_designation...Name......Origin......Meaning
* ά.......Arneb.....Arabic......name of constellation
* β.......Nihal.....Arabic......rabbit
* R Leporis is also known as Hind's Crimson Star

References

* Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). "Stars and Planets Guide", Collins, London. ISBN 978-0007251209. Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 978-0691135564.
* Richard Hinckley Allen, "Star Names, Their Lore and Legend", New York, Dover.

External links

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