Leo
Where is Leo?
Look east, about 17° up at 05:17. It rises at 03:24 and climbs through the night.
- Rises
- 03:24
- Highest
- 10:41
- Sets
- 18:02
- Best after dark
- 05:17 · 17°
How to find Leo
Nearby constellations include Sextans, Leo Minor and Hydra.
Its center is at right ascension 10h 40m, declination +14°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.
Best time to see Leo
Leo is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in March. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 82° N to 53° S.
From London tonight, Leo is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest just before dawn, around 05:17, in the east at 17°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Leo
Eyes
Its brightest star, undefined, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.
Binoculars
Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.
Telescope
The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.
About
Leo (genitive Leonis, abbreviated Leo) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 5 named stars and 5 deep-sky objects in Leo.
Brightest stars and objects in Leo
Questions
When is Leo visible?
Can I see Leo from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences