Lepus
Where is Lepus?
Look south, about 19° up at 05:17. It rises at 01:17 and climbs through the night.
- Rises
- 01:17
- Highest
- 05:37
- Sets
- 09:58
- Best after dark
- 05:17 · 19°
How to find Lepus
Nearby constellations include Canis Major, Eridanus, Monoceros and Puppis.
Its center is at right ascension 5h 36m, declination −19°. 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 Lepus
Lepus is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in January. 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 60° N to 90° S.
From London tonight, Lepus is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest just before dawn, around 05:17, in the south at 19°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Lepus
Eyes
Its stars are fairly faint (the brightest, its alpha star, is mag 2.6). You’ll need a sky away from bright lights to trace the pattern.
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
Lepus (genitive Leporis, abbreviated Lep) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 1 named star and 1 deep-sky object in Lepus.
Brightest stars and objects in Lepus
Questions
When is Lepus visible?
Can I see Lepus from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences